People frequently claim that someone is in their own galaxy. But, according to actress, singer, businesswoman, and humanitarian Hailie Sahar, we are all in this galaxy together and are never alone on our journeys. That’s one of the numerous meanings conveyed by her new single, Star Traveler. Our differences should never divide us, but rather bring us closer together as we gain a better knowledge of each other and ourselves. You’ve probably seen her on hit shows like Pose and Good Trouble, but I had the chance to chat with her and realize that there’s a lot more spirituality behind the beauty and talent we’ve come to know and love.

This was a discussion on understanding yourself, self-acceptance, standing firm in your beliefs, and never allowing others to limit who you can or should be. The sky’s the limit and you are meant to burn bright like a star.

Cox: Hailie, I just watched and heard Star Traveler. I love the concept and everything it represents. I want to know why you came up with this concept and why this song was important for you to put out.
Sahar: I’m one of those people constantly analyzing why we’re here on this planet. I’m wondering what our existence is really about. A lot of times, we get caught up in the matrix and lose sight of the purpose that we were born with. This is something that we can all relate to. We lose sight of the things that really matter.

Star Traveler is a metaphor for all of us to look at ourselves and see our inner strengths. And that inner strength can look different for all of us. Once you look deep within and find that strength, you must be bold. That’s important!

This song is a reminder for people to find and understand what really matters in their lives. Be bold and live in it, whatever that is!

Cox: I love that. The video is visually beautiful. Take me through the process you went through to create it. What was your inspiration?
Sahar: I love contrast, so I wanted to combine both futuristic and vintage themes. The arcade you see in the video is something I included as nostalgia because I grew up in the 90s. Back then, we would go to the arcades and play games like Mortal Kombat. And on the flip side, I love to think about futuristic things, so I wanted to include that. It was important for me to have the video to tie in both concepts. The video takes you on a journey that connects you with your past and moves you toward your future.

Within the video, there is another metaphor for our spiritual quest and journey to find ourselves. We are born into this world and then live an entire life trying to discover who we actually are.

Cox: Speaking of journeys of self-discovery, I want to know how many Hailie has been on.
Sahar: Like me, all of us are constantly in a state of transition. When we hear the word transition nowadays, we equate it with being transgender. But we are all in a state of transition where we are always learning and growing. We aren’t ever supposed to stop those things in life. The moment you stop learning and growing is when you become a fool or start to have foolish ways. A smart person knows that they actually know nothing at all. That’s because if you know nothing at all, there’s always something to learn. This is what I live by.

I have lived many lives and have been on this planet long before this current time. And this goes into all my theories on life, why we are here, and what we are doing.

Cox: While we are on a journey and life, what does spirituality look like for Hailie? How do you look at life spiritually, and what keeps you grounded?
Sahar: That’s a great question. Spiritually, I have to feel comfortable with anything I choose to do. I don’t care if it ruffles anyone; they have to bear it. Staying grounded is about my peace. I’m a peaceful person, and I seek peace in all things. Whenever something is chaotic in my life, I always try to find peace within the situation. And if I can’t find peace in it, I steer away from it.

Sometimes I can be an overthinker, but I always center myself by reminding myself what’s important to me.

Cox: With your position and who you are, do you feel you have a certain amount of responsibility?
Sahar: I check all these marginalized boxes, which makes me feel this sense of duty because of my position. I’m multiracial, a preacher’s kid, have had trans experiences, and a woman with non-conforming beliefs. I embody so much, so I am cognizant of what I’m putting out there. I want to make sure that people see and know what joy and happiness look like. You know there’s not enough of that in the world. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing, be it music, acting, speaking, or being in my presence; I want you to feel that around me. Hopefully, it will ignite something in someone else, and ultimately, they will be inspired to live by those same principles.

Cox: You checked all these boxes! We are in this age where labels are placed on everyone, and people try to fit others into boxes they don’t ask to be fitted into. What are your thoughts on that?

Sahar: I think that as human beings, every generation is supposed to challenge the past generation’s thinking. And boxes separate all of us. At the end of the day, we all are part of the same human race existing on this planet. Yes, there are differences, and if you want to nitpick on that, you can. But all of us are here, and none of us asked to be here.

Cox: You mentioned boxes that separate us.

Sahar: Yes, and they limit us from actually experiencing life as we should. When you put others in a box, you pigeonhole them, and they start to live life and do things because society has placed that on them. It would help if you thought about it because then there is no true growth for the individual and, ultimately, no growth for humanity. We are supposed to constantly grow and discover newer parts of ourselves that can’t be defined or put into a box or category.

Boxes aren’t healthy, making them the perfect ingredient for comparison and competition. This is how people think they are better than others and feel superior.

Ultimately, we must realize that we are one pulse in this universe, and working together is vital. We can go further, as human beings, and do exactly that.

Cox: Did Hailie ever put herself in a box, anytime throughout her life?

Sahar: You know, to be honest with you, I’ve never really put myself in a box. I was more quiet growing up, but in terms of putting myself in a box, I did not. I never felt like I belonged in a box, even though this industry tries to put you in one to see how you can fit into their plan. To honestly know me is to experience me.

When I started to speak up about transgender people, I was trying to bring awareness and be an example for people.

Cox: When it comes to experiencing Hailie, do I experience a different Hailie when she is the singer, actress, speaker, etc.?

Sahar: I think it will be based on the scenarios when it comes to experiencing me or anyone else. In any aspect of me, you are going to experience me differently, and that won’t be the same as yesterday. It’s really about whatever the wind blows when dealing with anyone, including myself. It’s about how you feel right now about the person. Like right now, Michael, you are having an experience with me, but this won’t be the only experience you have with me, and it won’t be the same as the next time.

Cox: Hailie, you make me feel like you are someone who lives in the present. Like everyone else, you are focused on something other than the past or the future.

Sahar: I have to say this in honor of my late grandfather who was the pastor in our church. When I was little, he said, “The past is gone forever, tomorrow never was, so all you have is the present moment right now.” Those simple words have been so profound for me in life. This is why living in the moment is so important. People get too stuck in the past. But they also get caught up trying to go too far into the future. Then you aren’t living in the present moment and appreciating everything around you.

The older and wiser I become, the more I listen to the birds around me. I appreciate even having the ability to hear. The more I’m present, the more I look at the ocean and appreciate the sight. There are so many things we take for granted every day.

The present is the most important thing we have right now. I’m not saying the past doesn’t matter because the past helps create who we are today.

Right now, that is all that we are promised. And if we are rushing to go somewhere in the future, then we aren’t really enjoying ourselves right now.

Cox: Before we go, I want to ask you about Pride Month! What does Pride Month mean to you?

Sahar: It means joy. There are a lot of traumas and hurt that people experience within the community. So, joy is one of the things I want to highlight for our community in terms of Pride Month. It’s about being joyful and proud that you’ve made it through all the things life has thrown at you. You had the courage and strength to keep going and striving. Many of us are courageous, and we don’t give each other enough credit. We’ve come through so many hardships and stayed courageous through them all. Courage is another word I equate with pride.

Hailie has an upcoming project where she will portray Sir Lady Java, an American transgender rights activist. Check out the video below to learn more about the project as she discusses it with Sir Lady Java.