Radiant, resilient, and wrapped in elegance, Jade Porchett is more than a pageant queen, she’s a woman whose courage shimmers far beyond the stage lights. Living in Jonesboro, Arkansas with her two beloved cats and her best friend, Jade juggles multiple passions with effortless grace: she is a YouTube vlogger, a showgirl, and a visual merchandiser for Hallmark and Proactiv. Through her vibrant video diaries, she has opened a window into her transition, offering warmth, guidance, and fierce honesty to anyone searching for the strength to be themselves. Jade’s journey is deeply rooted in both heartbreak and hope. After the tragic loss of her mother in 2012, she began embracing her truth with newfound urgency, stepping into her transition and finding purpose in visibility.
Whether she’s dazzling in heels on the stage or curled up editing videos late at night, Jade carries a mission: to educate, uplift, and remind others, especially young transgender women, that they are never alone. Her story is one of overcoming adversity with sparkle and spirit. Raised in poverty and nurtured by a loving, open-minded grandmother, Jade knew from a very early age that she was different. From cheering in high school to claiming multiple beauty titles in Memphis’s vibrant pageant scene, she has transformed pain into poise and struggle into stardom. With a heart full of ambition and eyes set on national titles, modeling dreams, and true love, Jade’s future shines as boldly as her favorite red lipstick. It’s a true honor to introduce this candid and inspiring conversation with Jade, a woman who lives out loud, walks in stilettos with purpose, and shows us all what it means to pursue happiness on your own radiant terms.
Monika: Today I'm speaking with Jade Porchett, a video blogger and pageant queen who documents her transition on YouTube. Welcome, Jade!
Jade: Hi Monika! Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity to share my story and thoughts with the world!
Monika: For those just getting to know you, how would you describe yourself in a few words?
Jade: I am a pre-op transsexual woman currently working as a showgirl and visual merchandiser for Hallmark and Proactiv! I reside in Jonesboro, AR with my two kitties and best friend! I’m also a pageant competitor and a thriving YouTube blogger as well!
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| Before a show at Spectrum Memphis. |
Monika: What inspired you to document your transition journey on YouTube, and what impact did you hope it would have?
Jade: Being a motivation and inspiration to others is very important to me! I felt that by documenting my transition, it would not only help those individuals struggling with coming to terms with themselves, but it would also better educate those who aren’t familiar with transsexuals, their struggles, and their complete stories! I knew that by doing so, I would be able to touch and inspire someone!
Monika: Can you share where you are in your transition journey and what steps you’ve taken so far?
Jade: I’m still very early in my transition! I began growing my hair and started facial laser hair removal in September of 2012, after the murder of my mother. I felt life was too short, and I needed to make myself happy because we aren’t promised tomorrow! I sought out gender therapy in February of 2013 and visited a doctor, starting hormone replacement therapy in April of 2013! I have now been on HRT for a little over nine months. I haven’t had any surgeries yet, but boy, I do look forward to it! Lol
Monika: How has your experience with hormone therapy been so far? What kinds of changes have you noticed?
Jade: Hormone therapy has been very beneficial to me, and I am very pleased with the results thus far! My body development has happened fairly rapidly! I am about to start a different medication to achieve more drastic results, so I am really excited about that!
Monika: What was your childhood like, and how did your early environment shape your identity?
Jade: Growing up was very difficult for me. I come from a broken home, and I was raised in poverty by my grandmother from a very young age. It sounds sad, but to me, it was actually a blessing in disguise. My grandmother was a lesbian, so she was much more supportive of my feminine characteristics than my father would have ever been.
Monika: When did you first start to sense that you were different from the boys around you?
Jade: When I was around 3 years of age, I knew I was different from my brothers and the other males around me. All of my interests seemed to be female-related. I wanted to play with my Barbies, Easy-Bake Oven, and put on makeup, while my brother was roughhousing in the yard and playing football. Of course, I was too young to know what was going on with me at that time.
There was a time during my grammar school years when I identified as a girl. My given name is Tim, but everyone in my neighborhood thought my name was Kim! My hair was grown out to my shoulders, I wore girl tights and girl Ked shoes! I would play with my ribbon dancer in the front yard and do flips as if I was on the U.S. women’s gymnastics team! All of my friends were female as well! So, I have ALWAYS known I was different, but I didn’t know what transgender meant until I got older!
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| With her drag husband at an event at L&G. |
Monika: Many transgender girls describe school or university as the most difficult chapter in their lives, marked by bullying and isolation. What were your school years like?
Jade: Yes, this was definitely the case for me. I hated going to school, having to talk in class, and even recess. I was very feminine, and a lot of kids would make fun of the clothing I wore and even the way I walked and talked. When I was younger, I had a very high-pitched, female-range voice. Too bad I didn’t transition then, lol, it would have saved me a lot of money, and I could’ve avoided voice surgery!
Monika: Were there any steps you or your family took to make that time easier for you?
Jade: Besides having a few girlfriends, I was very much a loner as a child because I was so different. My family actually relocated to a different city during my middle school years so I could attend a better school where teasing would be less intense.
In middle school, I even made up an excuse and told a doctor I had lower back problems, just to get a note excusing me from gym class so I wouldn’t have to embarrass myself in front of my peers with my prissy ways.
I became more comfortable with myself during high school and was even the first “male” cheerleader at my school. I was featured in American Cheerleader Magazine! High school wasn’t as bad, I would say, but there were still some issues.
Monika: Who are the transgender women you admire or look up to as role models?
Jade: My main transgender role model would be the late Erica Andrews; however, that stems mostly from an entertainment background and perspective! I always thought she was the epitome of beauty and professionalism! I also look up to Laverne Cox, I think she is a great representation of the transgender community and very eloquently spoken!
Monika: What was the most emotionally challenging part of coming out for you?
Jade: The hardest thing about me coming out would definitely be the fear of losing my domestic partner of 10 years. When we began dating, I became a female impersonator, which he wasn’t very pleased with. With that being said, I knew that by telling him I wanted to, in fact, be female, the outcome wouldn’t be good. It was a learning experience for both of us; we love each other very much, and we are more like best friends now.
Where our relationship stands when I am further along in my transition is yet to be determined. It was so difficult because he has been with me through so many of the toughest times of my life, including my grandmother’s death, a four-month-long bedridden depression, my mother’s murder, me coming out as transgender, etc. So, my best friend isn’t somebody I wanted to lose. In fact, it was the time I needed him the most.
Monika: How do you view the current situation for transgender women in your country?
Jade: Unfortunately, the statistics are high in the US, as they are all over the world. The biggest concern is that we are so affected by society that 49% of transgender people, at one point in their lives, attempt suicide, and in the US, 1 in 12 transgender people is murdered. That shows there is still a lot of education that needs to be done. Above all else, putting gender aside, we are HUMAN BEINGS, and that is how we deserve to be treated and viewed! The fact is, the majority of society is close-minded. If we can remain strong and stick together, then we can change the minds of the world! Maybe not EVERYBODY, but SOMEBODY!
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| With her child Alex. |
Monika: Nowadays, we see more and more transgender women coming out. Unlike in previous years, some have become celebrities or well-known figures, like Lana Wachowski in film directing, Jenna Talackova in modeling, Kate Bornstein in academia, Laura Jane Grace in music, or Candis Cayne in acting. Have you noticed this same trend?
Jade: It does seem that the transgender population in the US is becoming stronger, and more women are coming out! There have been quite a few trans women on television in the past few years in the US, including Ari from Project Runway All Stars and Monica Beverly Hills from RuPaul’s Drag Race, just to name a few!
Not only are they coming out because of exposure, but I have had quite a few trans women and men come out to me since I began my transition! So every trans person is a role model to another going through the struggle, whether they know it or not! As long as we have proud trans people in the community who are public, we will have more and more accepting themselves, coming out, and living happier lives!
Monika: Many transgender women are becoming more visible and vocal in social and political life. Are you personally involved in any form of advocacy or political action? And in your opinion, can transgender women influence political change?
Jade: There are two things I don’t speak about! One is religion, the other is politics! Lol. However, EVERYONE has a voice! Whether your voice is heard is up to you! If trans women speak up, then there is no way for them not to be heard, BUT they may be ignored. I do know that the UK has an openly transgender parliamentarian, and it’s the ones who are actually on the inside that can probably make the most difference in politics!
Monika: Fashion can be a powerful form of self-expression, especially for transgender women exploring and affirming their identity. How would you describe your personal style, and do you have any favorite colors, designers, or trends?
Jade: I LIVE for fashion! My style is very sexy, classy, and trendy! I do like to stand out, and my favorite colors are red and black! Trendy dresses and fitted jeans with stilettos are my favorites! I’m not much of a label whore, and you don’t need expensive brands to look like a million bucks! I’m living proof!
Monika: Pageants can be a unique platform for visibility and empowerment. What’s your take on transgender beauty pageants and their role in the community?
Jade: Transgender beauty pageants are FABULOUS!! I actually hold three titles right now myself! Pageants are a way for trans women to showcase their talents and creativity! They also give us an outlet for self-expression, especially for pre-op girls! It is becoming more acceptable for post-op girls to participate in “real” beauty pageants these days, but let me say, I think the transgender and drag beauty pageants take ALOTTT more work! Lol
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| That Lady in Red! |
Monika: In what ways do you engage with and contribute to the local LGBTQ+ community?
Jade: I currently reside in Jonesboro, AR, but I am involved in the life of the LGBTQ+ community in my hometown of Memphis, TN! There, I work at one of the largest nightclubs in the city and serve as Miss Heart of Memphis, Miss Lady Memphis, and Miss Spectrum Memphis Emeritus! I’m also a former Miss Queen of Memphis! I participate in many benefits that different organizations hold throughout the year in the city! I even held one of my own last year as Miss Heart of Memphis!
Monika: What advice would you give to transgender women who are afraid to begin their transition because of fears around timing, social stigma, or emotional risks?
Jade: My recommendation to trans women on early transition is, the earlier, the better! The older you get, the less effective HRT is. Not only that, but the sooner you transition, the happier you will be, and the longer you'll get to live on this planet feeling more content and in a better state of mind. Also, do it the right way!
I personally do not recommend self-medicating, although I know sometimes it is done out of desperation, or turning to illegal silicone injections. Both are very dangerous, and it's important to have your estrogen and testosterone levels monitored by a licensed professional. Seek out therapy! Make sure you are making the right decision.
Monika: And how should they deal with the fear of discrimination and hatred from society?
Jade: My recommendation on being afraid of discrimination and hatred is that it simply can’t be avoided. You just have to be strong and know that you will not live up to your true potential in life unless you take the next step and be the true you! Don’t rush it, and make sure you have a good support system. If you don’t have anyone personally, there is usually a support group for transgender people at the local LGBT Community Center! Love yourself first, then allow others to love you!
Monika: What goals are you currently focusing on, and how do you envision your life unfolding over the next five to seven years?
Monika: What goals are you currently focusing on, and how do you envision your life unfolding over the next five to seven years?
Jade: Right now I am really concentrating on me! I’m trying really hard not to rush my transition, although it really does become your life! I would still like to participate in larger competitions such as Miss Continental, Universal Show Queen, and Miss Entertainer of the Year! I modeled in my previous life and would like to get back into that as well, if I’m not too old after transition! Lol. Hopefully, in the next five to seven years I will have completed my transition, at least reached half of my goals, and be living a normal life as a woman with a normal career, madly in love with someone who completely accepts me for me!! That would be my ideal!
Monika: Would you say that you are a happy woman now?
Jade: I think I still have a lot of growing to do, both internally and externally! Overall, I am much happier knowing that I am taking the correct steps toward becoming truly content! I know in the end I will flourish and be everything that God set out for me to be! I am happy now, but there are definitely brighter days in my future!!!
Monika: Jade, it’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
All the photos: courtesy of Jade Porchett.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska
