Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tracee McDaniel. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Tracee thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Back in 1990 while living in Los Angeles, California, I received a five-page letter from my mother, admitting to her past mistakes, even apologizing to me for the misguided way she handled my gender identity that was opposite of what the mid-wife assigned me the night I was born at home in South Carolina on a frigid January night.

One of many things my Mother Bear did right was not ever putting me out of our home during my rebellious teenage years whenever I climbed out my bedroom window to sneak off with my Trans, and gay friends, of which she disapproved of back in those days. As importantly, whenever I did run away from home the very first time starting at Seven years old, in addition to also running away in my teen years, because I felt out of place in my family, Ma always tracked me down and brought me back home underneath her roof where she knew where I was.
Regardless of the past, our relationship is mother, and daughter. Her past actions were only to protect her baby, by any means necessary, and I really appreciate her for that to this date.

Tracee, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well, I remember always dreaming about being old enough to take care of myself, so that I may therefore start living authentically. Thusly, once I graduated and got my first real job in Myrtle Beach South Carolina one summer along with my best friends, I jumped at the opportunity to finally move-out my mama’s house as soon as possible. After living on the beach for two years after my friends went back home, I was determined to not go back home with nothing to show for the time I’d been gone. While in Job Corps in 1955, everybody used to talk about going to Atlanta after graduation, which was also my choice once I decided to leave the beach to seek warmer, and greener pastures. While living in GA, I started entering talent shows and local variety events to supplement my daytime income cashiering at a burger joint. During the day, I worked an eight-hour shifts, then by night my alter-ego Destiny Your Mistress of Illusions was born out of necessity. I was only in those club bookings and other entertainment venues for the money, so that I did not have to upon anyone else to pay my bills or provide my everyday necessities. During my over twenty something Performance Artist career, I’ve been featured in Diana Ross’ Music Video, “I Will Survive”, the VH1 miniseries, “The Jackson’s-An American Dream”, amongst other special featured appearances. Currently, I have been retired from the stage for almost twenty years now, devoting my time fighting for justice and equity for Trans, Gender Non-Conforming and Non-Binary people.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My resiliency if a result of starting off with a strong foundation laid by my mother, whose strength, determination, and independence inspires me. Knowing that I have someone that prays for and loves me unconditionally has enabled me to have briefed former President Barack Obama’s Administration on Equity, and how inequities affect Trans Women of Color in 2015. Knowing from whence I come also enabled me to have become the first, hopefully, not the last Trans person to have served on the Atlanta Citizen Review Board from 2016-2023.

As importantly, knowing that I could always go back home, no matter what where I’ll always have a safe place, while also understanding my value, which contributed to me being a two-time domestic violence survivor back in the late eighties, which is what led me to have escaped for my life to Los Angeles, California in 1990.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My mission continues to be doing everything within my power to endure that all Trans, Gender Non-Conforming, Non-Binary, Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, plus people receive human and civil rights protections, regardless of how we identify.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thejct.org
• Instagram: tracee.mcdaniel4life
• Facebook: tracee.mcdaniel
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/juxtaposedcenter?si=u4n_Zuc-o8Ve16k0

Image Credits

Shane Gardner