Levi U. Wanton-Moore

What's your preferred name?

Bex (performer name - Levi U. Wanton-Moore)

What are your pronouns?

They/them, He/him in drag

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

I am genderfluid, and it took me a good chunk of my life to fully realize that. When I was young, I knew that I wasn't a "girl," so I went through a brief phase where I assumed that meant I was a "boy" and that would require me to transition. Back then, nobody had conversations about it, and so I didn't even know where to begin. In my 20's, I realized that there are more than just the two defining, stereotypical genders. There is an entire spectrum. It was then that I realized that there are times when I feel feminine. There are times when I feel masculine. And times that I feel something in between, either slightly masculine, slightly feminine, or androgynous, and nothing at all. Each day that I wake up, it's different. Drag has helped me fully realize that my gender expression doesn't need to be defined by anything specifically gendered, and I can mix and match.

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

Since starting drag in particular, I have evolved and become more comfortable in my skin, become more comfortable having conversations with people, and helping teach those who are unaware of the nuances present in gender and gender expression.

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

I grew up in Lake Stevens, Washington, and Snohomish County. One of the biggest parts of my gender and sexuality awakening was when I was introduced to an anime titled "Revolutionary Girl Utena". In this series, Utena, the main character, desires to be a prince, but she doesn't want to be a boy. She plays basketball and other sports, exhibits boyish behavior, but is adamant that she is NOT a boy. The series also touches on same-sex couples as well. If I didn't include the fact that Xena: Warrior Princess had a hand in my bisexual awakening, I would be committing a crime! It definitely showed me that there is more than cisgender-hetero-normativity.

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've always wanted to be a parent and own my home. My daughter is almost 6 years old, and my husband and I have owned our home for 8 years. Other goals I have in life include publishing *A* book, though I am currently working on a book series that I hope to publish someday. I can find stress relief and escape in my writing and show people other worlds than ours.

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

My mom has always been a huge inspiration in my life. She has been supportive of me in every capacity I can remember. I have been extremely gifted in that my mom was never a bully to me. When I told her as a preteen that I wanted to lose weight, she told me that I didn't need to, but she still supported me during that time. At every stage and change in my life, she has been nothing but kind and supportive, and I aspire to be every bit the amazing human being she is.

What's something that you worry about?

I fear the current state of our nation, specifically pertaining to the rights of trans individuals. I appear to be cis-het passing, and from an outward perspective, most people would assume that I'm a woman married to a man. But it doesn't negate or invalidate who I am or lessen my concern for my trans friends. We live in a state where WE are mostly safe, but not all of the country is like that. Finances, I feel, have been something I have stressed about my entire life, and I always feel like I can never get ahead. Financial security and debt freedom are lifelong goals that fear will never attain.

What gives you hope?

Children, but especially my daughter. She is strong-willed, extremely intelligent, and insanely creative. She leads with her heart and is always caring towards others. Seeing the bright light she shines gives me hope for the future. Her generation will make changes for the better, and maybe, someday during my lifetime, love will reign supreme and hate will be less prevalent.

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

Trust what your mom tells you, especially when it comes to your body and appearance. Ignore bullies - they aren't worth your time, energy, or peace. One day, you're going to reach so many of your goals, and your life will be amazing.

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

There is no shame in walking away from people - whether they be family, friends, or just dumb people on social media! It's not worth what it causes in you. Bullies get their power when they get a rise out of you, so giving them nothing helps you and takes away their power.

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

You do not have to agree with other people's lifestyles, gender expression or lack there of, sexuality or anything else when it doesn't pertain to you. Why? Because it's none of your business! Keep your thoughts and spiteful words to yourself and move along. It costs nothing to be kind!