When it comes to creativity and entertainment, Peppermint hardly requires an introduction. She continues to make it her mission to promote education, awareness, and change both within the LGBTQ2+ community and among those outside of it. She made history on RuPaul’s Drag Race (Season 9) as the first out trans contestant and became the first trans woman to originate a principal musical role (Pythio) on Broadway in the smash hit Head Over Heels. Despite having a demanding schedule in the entertainment industry, she still finds time to spread positivity and light by using her platform and voice to bring attention to social issues that are affecting us all. The evidence is in the money she has raised for well-known LGBT rights organizations as the first-ever Artist Ambassador for Tran Justice for the ACLU. So, if you see her on TV or your screen, just know that her goal goes well beyond providing you with entertainment. 

Additionally, I had the pleasure of speaking with Peppermint about her most recent endeavors and prospective ventures. She gave me a brief glimpse into who she is, what pride means to her, and why she keeps up the battle.

Courtesy OUTtv

Cox: Who is Peppermint? The Official Black Magazine wants to know who you are beyond being an actress, singer, reality star, and activist. Tell us what drives you every day and why.
Peppermint: Besides being a horror movie buff and candy addict…honestly the thing that gets me going is all the stuff you said before. The community, the issues that affect us. That’s honestly what drives me. I’m Pretty much an open book. 

Cox: You made television history on RuPaul’s Drag Race (season 9) as the first out trans contestant. What did that mean for you in terms of representation as we currently are celebrating pride month? 
Peppermint: I think any time a popular TV show steps towards inclusion and diversity it’s a good thing. Obviously, the landscape was very different when I appeared on Drag Race than it is now. We recently celebrated five out trans women on the series which is historic. Not to mention, the first ever trans winner and the first ever trans winner of all stars. There are so many reasons to celebrate, and I would like to think that my appearance on the show in some small way contributed to that.

Cox: Talking about Pride Month, what does pride mean for you?
Peppermint: It’s a chance for Queer folks to build community and an invitation to those outside of the community to use their privilege to Support Queer individuals. 

Cox: As the ACLU’s first-ever Artist Ambassador for Trans Justice, what message do you have for the next generation? 
We are fighting hard for you…but the fight to uphold justice and Equality will always be necessary. 

Cox: Tell me about your first ever stand-up comedy special “Peppermint’s “SO-SIGH-ETY Effects.” It’s out now and available on platforms like Amazon Prime TV, and Apple TV. What can viewers expect?
Peppermint: Hopefully knee slapping laughs told by a sexy trans comic. But worst-case scenario…they get a sexy trans comic! 

Cox: As a comedian do you feel that you have to sensor or think twice about some of the material you will use? (Right now, there is a huge conversation on the responsibility of comedians) 
Peppermint: No, while I do think good comedy, besides being funny should be evocative and insightful, it doesn’t have to be controversial or dishonest especially when targeting (demonizing) individuals from marginalized communities.  The comics I hear complaining about censorship are relying on stereotypes about groups of people, making fun of attributes they were typically born with.

Photography Credit: Magnus Hastings

Cox: You recently starred on stage in “A Transparent Musical” as Davina. Tell me more about the musical and Davina. 
Peppermint: The play was based on the Amazon TV series “Transparent” which is, of course, about a family adjusting to one of their members coming out as trans. The musical picks up where the series leaves off focusing on the question of inheriting one’s queerness and the notion of the history repeating itself.  My character Davina is the director of diversity at the local Jewish community center and besides mentoring Maura, one of the main characters, she’s faced with answering important Family questions of her own 

Cox: Are there any similarities between Davina and Peppermint?
Peppermint: There are a lot of similarities between us, sadly being a black trans femme in the US means we will likely all deal with the same sorts of things. Discrimination, abuse, lack of resources and support. These are not necessarily things I experience frequently today because of my privilege, but they are definitely things that I have experienced prior to ever being on TV or Broadway. 

Cox: We are all excited about “Survival of the Thickest” which is a highly anticipated show on Netflix. Tell us why we are going to love this show and more about your character. 
Peppermint: The show’s creator Michelle Butteau is a comic genius. And, she is a true Ally to the LGBTQ2+ community. It was really important for her to have a very diverse and inclusive production, people on and off camera, behind the scenes, all levels. And it couldn’t have been more affirming! 

The show itself is about a newly single woman who ends up having to restart her life after a terrible breakup, I play of all people, Miss Peppermint, her friend, confidant, social media manager and the owner of the drag restaurant that she frequents.. 

Cox: You know we need to talk about your infamous “Rhythm Nation” video as your tribute to Janet Jackson. Take me back to what inspired you to do it and the process to put on such a spectacular performance.
Peppermint: I’ve been a huge fan of Janet Jackson for many years. She is an absolute icon; it has been my dream to perform with her. Until then I will use my last dollar to create tribute videos for her. She is still inspiring, but a lot of resources went into the music video a lot of time, energy, money.

Cox: What’s next for Peppermint? (Because right now you are doing it all and I love it).
Peppermint: Girl, I have no idea, I think I might join that new app Threads!