Interview with Addie Vincent

Addie Vincent is a proud senior at Chapman University, majoring in Peace Studies and making waves both on and off campus. Born in Canada and raised in Michigan, Addie now calls sunny California home. Identifying as a genderqueer Trans* person and using they/them pronouns, Addie made history at Chapman as the first transgender contestant in Delta Tau Delta’s philanthropy pageant, earning the beloved title of Miss Congeniality for their charisma, kindness, and advocacy. Beyond the pageant spotlight, Addie is a passionate voice for Trans* visibility and equality. Inspired by trailblazers like Cassidy Lynn Campbell, Laverne Cox, and Janet Mock, they channel their activism into action, whether by organizing for LGBTQ+ rights, dreaming of founding a shelter for homeless queer youth in Orange County, or working to establish a gender-neutral, service-focused “frarority” on campus. Addie’s vision extends to a future where they continue to empower others, possibly as a midwife, nonprofit founder, public speaker, or all of the above. In a world still grappling with transmisogyny and ignorance, Addie stands as a radiant example of resilience, leadership, and heart. With deep gratitude for the love and support of their community, they remain committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces, and reminding others that they are capable of anything.

 

Monika: Hello, Addie! It’s such a joy to speak with someone as dynamic and inspiring as you. Watching you bloom as an activist and trailblazer is truly heartening.

Addie: Hi Monika! Thank you so much for those kind words, it’s an absolute pleasure to be here with you.

 

"Addie Vincent for Chapman University
Delta Queen 2014" (YouTube)

 

Monika: For those meeting you for the first time, how would you introduce yourself?

Addie: Of course. My name is Addie and I’m a senior at Chapman University. I was born in Canada, raised in Michigan, and currently attending school in sunny California. I identify as a Trans* person, more specifically as a genderqueer person with they/them/their preferred gender pronouns. I’m passionate about creating inclusive spaces and uplifting marginalized voices through my academic and personal work.
Monika: Not long ago, you were crowned “Miss Congeniality” at Chapman University’s philanthropy pageant, a title that speaks volumes about your spirit and the impression you left. Can you take us back to that moment and share what it meant to you?

Addie: I felt incredible and so loved! It was an honor to participate with my fellow contestants and to struggle along with them to raise money as part of the philanthropy. They are such wonderful people, and it was such a great opportunity to bond with them, support each other, and help a meaningful cause! I am so grateful for their votes, and without them this interview wouldn’t be happening! Winning the title reminded me that authenticity and kindness are always worth celebrating.

Monika: How much time and effort did you and the other contestants put into preparing for the pageant, things like gowns, hair, makeup, and all the details?

Addie: Yes, we had been preparing for the pageant for almost five months leading up to the event. Most of the contestants, including myself, didn’t end up picking our gowns or deciding on hairstyles until a couple of weeks (or days) before the pageant. It was definitely a whirlwind, but the excitement made all the last-minute preparations worthwhile.

In black and red. Photo by Ana Venegas.
Courtesy of Addie Vincent.

Monika: How did the other contestants respond to your participation in the pageant? Were they supportive throughout the process?

Addie: They all were very supportive, happy, and proud of me leading up to and during the pageant. They are so amazing, and I’m so happy that the pageant brought us close together as a friend group. Their encouragement made the experience even more meaningful and memorable for me.

Monika: Do you see yourself competing in any other pageants down the road, or was this a one-time experience for now?

Addie: As of now, I am not planning on competing in other pageants. But I am open to doing more in the future. It’s just a matter of finding out if I’d be eligible for other pageants. I’m excited to explore opportunities that align with my identity and values.

Monika: Were there any transgender role models who inspired you or helped guide you on your journey?

Addie: Of course! I was really inspired by Cassidy Lynn Campbell, the transgender Homecoming Queen from Huntington Beach. Despite the harsh criticism she’s faced from her school, the local community, and the nation, she has remained strong and confident, and continues to make an impact. I also look up to other Trans* celebrities and trailblazers, such as Laverne Cox, Janet Mock, Jenna Talackova, and Calpernia Addams. Their courage and visibility have helped pave the way for many of us.

Monika: Transgender women often face intense pressure to “pass” as cisgender women. Since you are passable yourself, what advice would you give to those who fear they might not “pass” or meet these societal expectations?

Addie: It frustrates me how much beauty standards and passability are emphasized not only within the Trans* community but pressured on women in general. All I can say is, our looks and appearance shouldn’t determine the value of our identities. If we free ourselves of the pressure and standards to look a certain way, we can focus on our health and well-being. True confidence comes from embracing who you are, not fitting into someone else’s idea of beauty.

At Huntington Beach, CA. Photo by Nathan
Worden. Courtesy of Addie Vincent.

Monika: How do you perceive the current situation of transgender women in American society, considering both progress and ongoing challenges?

Addie: I feel that we are in an exciting time for Trans* awareness and visibility, with prominent speakers and celebrities speaking out against hate and for gender equality. However, we still live in a society filled with hate and people willing to act on their hate. Trans* women are still subjected to vicious hate crimes in both public and private settings, unfair treatment and placement in prisons, homelessness due to unsupportive families and a lack of resources, and the inability to find work or healthy careers as a result of transphobia. These women face transmisogyny on a daily basis, and their identities and preferred gender pronouns are not respected. Despite all this, the resilience and courage shown by trans women today continue to inspire hope and change.

Monika: Do you believe transgender visibility represents the next major frontier in the fight for human rights?

Addie: I feel that it already is. Crimes and discrimination against the Trans* community are making headline news, and people are becoming increasingly aware of Trans* identities as well as the hate and violence Trans* people face. Trans* people of all different genders are making waves, challenging gender norms and the gender binary, and the transfeminist movement is gaining momentum. This growing visibility is crucial for building understanding, acceptance, and lasting social change.

Monika: How involved are you in political activism? Do you participate in lobbying or advocacy campaigns, and do you believe transgender women can make a meaningful impact in politics?

Addie: As a Peace Studies major, you could say I’m pretty aware of and active in politics. I may not be able to vote due to my Canadian citizenship, but I still like to stay engaged through petitions and protests of all kinds. Of course, I believe transgender women can make, and are already making, political differences. With cases such as those of Cece McDonald and Monica Jones, we see trans women driving tangible changes that affect local and national political systems and human rights. Their courage inspires many of us to keep pushing for equality and justice.

Photo by Nathan Worden. Courtesy of Addie Vincent.

Monika: The transgender cause is often included within the broader LGBT community. As the last letter in this acronym, do you think the transgender community is able to effectively promote its own unique issues and cause within the larger LGBT movement?

Addie: I would say we’re marginalized within the LGBT+ community, with the full acronym to my knowledge being LGBTQPIOUA+. The Trans* population receives far less attention compared to other identities, and intersex, ambi, omni, and ace people receive even less. As a result, many cisgender and heterosexual people remain unaware or misinformed about our communities, often making assumptions or judgments based on that ignorance.

Some argue that gender and sex minorities should not be grouped together with sexual orientation minorities since they are distinct identities, while others believe the T and other acronyms should stay included to maintain solidarity. It’s a complex dynamic, but raising awareness specifically for transgender issues remains crucial.

Monika: How important is love in your life right now, and what role does it play in your personal journey?

Addie: I have never been on a date, and although I would enjoy being in a relationship and being in love, dating and romantic love are not priorities or my main focus right now. Before I can be with someone else, I need to work on myself to become the best version I can be. As RuPaul says, “If you can’t love yourself, how the hell you gonna love somebody else?” 

Before I can build a relationship, I need to create a solid foundation within myself. Plus, I’m still young, and I have so many things I want to accomplish before settling down with someone. Besides romantic love, the love I receive from and give to my family and friends is incredibly important to me. Their love and support keep me motivated and strong, and I am grateful to have such a wonderful community and force behind me every step of the way. Learning to love myself first has truly transformed my outlook on life.

Photo by Nathan Worden.
Courtesy of Addie Vincent.

Monika: Are you currently working on any new projects or initiatives that you’re excited about?
Addie: I am in the process of establishing a gender-neutral fraternity at Chapman, a “frarority,” as it’s been coined. It will be service-oriented and focused on benefiting the local LGBT+ community. I am also exploring the possibility of founding a shelter for LGBT+ homeless people in Orange County. I still need to do more research and networking, but it’s something our area definitely needs. These projects reflect my commitment to creating safe and inclusive spaces for everyone.

Monika: What are your immediate goals right now, and where do you envision yourself in the next five to seven years?

Addie: I see myself still making an impact in the world, whether it be through public speaking, writing, acting, and so on. I’d love to start a nonprofit, possibly the shelter I mentioned above. I’ve also been looking into becoming a midwife and helping women and families across the nation. I love the idea of helping expecting parents bring healthy children into the world and providing these families with natural and safe medicines and treatments. Ultimately, I want my work to contribute meaningfully to both individual lives and the broader community.

Monika: What advice would you give to transgender girls who are struggling with gender dysphoria?

Addie: All I can say is, talk about it. Find a friend, family member, or someone safe and supportive that you can open up to. Form your thoughts into words, and know that there are people out there who love and support you. It took me years to come to terms with my gender identity, but talking about it with friends and family really helped me become the confident and proud person I am today. Remember, you are never alone in this journey, and reaching out is a powerful first step. And just remember, you are a wonderful person and you are capable of anything!

Monika: Addie, thank you for the interview! 

Main photo taken by Nathan Worden.
All the photos: courtesy of Addie Vincent.

© 2014 - Monika Kowalska

  

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