In the world of drag, beauty pageants, and performance art, the experiences of transgender women often remain underappreciated or misunderstood. However, one notable event that shed light on the contributions of transgender women to these art forms was a lively and revealing discussion on AM Philadelphia hosted by Wally Kennedy, where four transgender women - Paris Frantz, Coco, Sasha Vega, and Lorena St. Cartier - shared their experiences, challenges, and insights into their roles in the entertainment world.
Paris Frantz’s participation in the show was marked by her frank and candid discussions about her journey as a transgender woman. From the start, it was clear that she was open about her transition and how she navigates the world in her own skin. One of the key moments during the show was her explanation of her voice, a point raised by the host, Wally Kennedy. His initial comment, “Your voice is a tad deep though,” was met with Paris’s unapologetic response: “It is.” She went on to explain how her hormones were taking care of her voice changes, and how some men actually find it sexy. This was a profound moment as it revealed Paris's confidence in her evolving identity, challenging traditional notions of femininity and embracing her unique self.
A significant part of Paris's appearance on the show revolved around her identity as a woman, despite the presence of certain physical traits that do not align with traditional gender expectations. Paris explained that, to her, being a woman is not just about physical characteristics. “It’s all about mental,” she remarked, emphasizing the importance of psychological identity over external appearances. She boldly asserted that “some women that were born women who think that they are men,” highlighting how gender is often more about the mind and emotions than just physical form.
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Paris also discussed the difficulty she faced with official documentation, particularly the gender marker on her driver’s license. She recounted how a helpful official in Louisiana, who was understanding of her situation, allowed her to change the gender marker on her ID, bypassing some of the bureaucratic red tape that many transgender individuals encounter. This exchange sheds light on the reality that the systems and structures we rely on are often at odds with personal identity, especially for those transitioning. The show also touched on her participation in beauty pageants, with Paris being praised for her performances. A caller shared their admiration for Paris’s talent, describing her as "the most beautiful, talented woman I have ever met." This compliment was followed by an enthusiastic recounting of Paris’s performance in the Continental Contest, where she was said to have performed a scat routine that left the audience in awe. Such moments reflect not only her physical transformation but also her immense dedication to her craft, showing that her identity and artistry are intertwined.
Coco, another contestant on the show, discussed her approach to her gender identity, particularly in the context of her performances. Coco presented an interesting perspective on femininity, noting that she sees her role as a performer as akin to being an actor. She said, “When I dress like this, it's like being an actor. And if I’m going to on the outside look like a woman, I’m going to act like a woman.” Coco’s words highlight the performative aspect of gender in the entertainment industry, where her physical transformation is not merely a cosmetic change but a deliberate, dramatic expression of womanhood. Coco’s perspective also challenges the notion that being a woman is purely biological. She drew a line between her natural masculinity and the femininity she adopts in her public persona.
The idea of taking on a character while performing exemplifies how gender expression in art does not have to be confined to personal identity; it can be a broader commentary on the performance of gender itself. For Coco, this transformation is no play - her artistry and expression are genuine, even if they require taking on a character. This attitude mirrors the experiences of many transgender women, who often find themselves constantly negotiating the lines between personal identity and public performance. Coco’s transformation in her performances offers an insightful commentary on how transgender women navigate societal expectations of femininity.
Sasha Vega’s participation on the show provided insight into the competitive world of drag and beauty pageants. As a contestant in the Continental pageant, she shared her thoughts on the fierce competition she faced, particularly against someone like Paris Frantz. “One has to win,” she said, emphasizing the high stakes and intense rivalry in the drag scene. This statement provides a glimpse into the world of professional drag, where talent, looks, and personality are all critical to success. For Sasha, drag is not just an artistic expression but also a means of livelihood. She, along with others on the show, emphasized that this was how they made their living. The stakes of these pageants and performances go beyond personal satisfaction and achievement - they directly impact their careers and financial stability. Sasha’s ability to compete and carve out a space for herself in this highly competitive field speaks to her resilience and dedication to her craft.
Lorena St. Cartier, another key participant in the show, offered a more nuanced perspective on the complex issues surrounding transgender identity. Her participation in beauty pageants, such as the Continental pageant, brought her into direct competition with other talented performers like Paris. In a candid moment, Lorena revealed her feelings toward Paris’s success in these competitions, noting that despite the rivalry, she understood the pressure that came with such public scrutiny. Wally Kennedy’s provocative question, “Do women hate you for looking at them?” was directed to the group during their conversation, and Lorena was among those who expressed difficulty with the question. Paris herself noted that some women had a problem with her appearance, a sentiment that Lorena echoed.
This reflects the insecurities and biases that many transgender women face when navigating spaces traditionally reserved for cisgender women. Lorena's responses also provided a window into the ongoing struggle many transgender women face in the beauty and fashion industries, where they are often confronted with societal prejudices or rejection, despite their talent and contributions. She also expressed her own understanding of the complex dynamics between gender expression and competition, emphasizing that pageants often don’t just test beauty but also the ability to navigate the complex terrain of gender politics.
The conversations on AM Philadelphia revealed not only the challenges and struggles faced by transgender women but also their tremendous contributions to the world of drag, pageantry, and performance art. Paris Frantz, Coco, Sasha Vega, and Lorena St. Cartier exemplify the power of authenticity in the face of societal expectations. Their discussions about gender, femininity, and identity were not just about individual experiences but also about challenging the broader cultural norms that govern how gender is perceived and expressed. Through their participation in the show, these four women highlighted the importance of recognizing the complexity of gender identity.
Whether discussing the mental and emotional aspects of transition, the performative nature of femininity, or the challenges of competing in beauty pageants, they collectively demonstrated that being a woman is not defined by biology alone - it is an intricate interplay of identity, expression, and experience. Their stories are a testament to the resilience of transgender women and their ability to carve out spaces where they can live and thrive as their authentic selves. In the end, the conversation initiated by Wally Kennedy was not just about entertainment but about breaking down the barriers that confine gender expression, creating a more inclusive space where people of all gender identities can thrive without fear of judgment or exclusion. Through their voices, Paris, Coco, Sasha, and Lorena contributed to a broader societal conversation on the evolving understanding of gender in the public sphere.
Image credits: YouTube
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