Yahoo News Mindy K praises Champions star for coming out as trans
One of the stars of Mindy Kaling's US TV drama Champions has come out as transgender, taking the first step "to becoming myself".
Josie Totah, who formerly went by the name JJ Totah, shared her story in a piece in Time magazine.
The 17-year-old said: "Numerous reporters have asked me in interviews how it feels to be a young gay man... But that has never been the way I think of myself.
"In the past, I've halfway corrected people by telling them I identify as LGBTQ. I wasn't ready to be more specific. I was afraid I wouldn't be accepted. But I realised over the past few years that hiding my true self is not healthy. I know now, more than ever, that I'm finally ready.
"My pronouns are she, her and hers. I identify as female, specifically as a transgender female. And my name is Josie Totah."
https://t.co/Ltz8ttemoB For so long I’ve been trying to hide who I was. And I did it in fear. In fear that I wouldn’t be accepted or loved. I know now more than ever I’m ready to take the step to becoming myself. I am Transgender and this is my story.
- josie totah (@josietotah) August 20, 2018
"This is not something that just happened," she continued. "This is not a choice that I made. When I was five, long before I understood what the word gender meant, I would always tell my mother that I wished I were a girl.
"I'm scared that I'll be judged, rejected, made uncomfortable, that people will look at me differently. But when my friends and family call me Josie, it feels like I'm being seen."
Champions co-creator Kaling took to Twitter to praise her star, writing: "I love you, Josie. I'm so glad you're able to speak your truth and live as your authentic self. You're also so damn talented - I can't wait to write for you again!"
I love you, Josie. I’m so glad you’re able to speak your truth and live as your authentic self. You’re also so damn talented - I can’t wait to write for you again! ❤️💕❤️💕❤️ https://t.co/OjIoI9Wpb3
- Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) August 20, 2018
Let's hope the pair work together on something soon – perhaps Kaling's Four Weddings and a Funeral anthology series.
Champions is available to stream now on Netflix. It was cancelled by NBC in June, but reports say it could be saved.
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