Indie Scent

Indie Sent

What's your preferred name?

Indie Scent

What are your pronouns?

She/Her

Share with us how you identify and how you came to that understanding of yourself.

I identify as genderfluid/non-binary. It took me so long to fully understand the concept of being fluid, feeling both masculine and feminine, but not necessarily at the same time. I think I'm still learning a lot about myself day by day. I've had to essentially teach myself how to self-reflect and learn about queer history. Society is so quick to try to put a label on something in order to quickly understand it, and gender is so complex and unique to everyone that you can't do that in every case.

Tell us about how your self-expression has helped you grow.

Drag is truly the art of gender performance. We examine and celebrate every form of gender presentation, and that was what really helped me to come to appreciate feeling and presenting however I want both in and out of drag. Indie is a reflection of everything I admired growing up. I would watch cartoons and anime like Sailor Moon and wish I could be a beautiful, fashionable superhero! I grew up playing MMO's with my dad and wishing I could play as a female simply because they got the BEST clothing options. I felt so much shame in enjoying those things, but I've finally come to accept that I was always meant to be sparkly and beautiful.

Where did you grow up? What was a formative experience you had in childhood that led you to where you are today?

Indie was really born out of fusing my love for theatre and performing with my queer identity. I grew up an extremely conservative Christian and went to a Pentecostal church for all of my childhood. It was extremely controlling, and so painful to leave because they do everything they can to trap you in a bubble. I wasn't even allowed to watch much TV unless I went to my grandparents house, my mom and sister have never cut their hair or been allowed to wear pants. I was really lucky to attend public school, where I discovered theatre and began performing. That truly changed my life; theatre teaches you so much self-confidence, while also acting as a bit of escapism. I was still sort of the weird religious kid, but I definitely found more of my voice and made friends I'm still close with today.

What is a life goal that you are working on or have achieved? How has working toward this goal helped you understand yourself as an individual?

I really want to delve further into producing new and unique shows/experiences. I've been able to draw on my experience in theatre and stage management to put together some smaller productions, but I really want to see more drag shows that aren't confined to bars. I see so many Drag Race queens doing tours and shows on a large stage, and I think there are so many local kings and queens that can put on just as good a show.

Who is someone who inspired you to be your true self? What was their influence on you?

I've been thinking a lot lately about my grandmother and how much she quietly supported me in being my authentic self. She herself was a Jehovah's Witness, but I think she knew who I was deep down and still loved me for me anyway. She was the life of any party, lighting up every room. She passed away in 2021 from cancer, and I still miss her a lot.

What's something that you worry about?

I think there's so much fear being spread in this world. I wish people had the courage to try to understand things they haven't experienced. I think the world would be a much kinder and safer place.

What gives you hope?

Seeing so many people my age and younger being louder and more vocal about their love and support for our communities. We have to keep fighting every day for trans rights, for a free Palestine, against racism, etc.

If you had a message for your younger self, what would you say?

Be kind to yourself.

What's a piece of wisdom you've learned that has helped you?

You can't go through life trying to cater to others. You have to protect your own peace, too.

What is something you wish other people would know or understand?

We aren't going anywhere, so might as well enjoy the show!