The actress started her career when she was 11. One of her first big roles was on the Disney Channel show Jessie.
She came out as transgender at the age of 17, after a succession of roles on TV shows such as Glee, iCarly, 2 Broke Girls, Champions, and others.
“It was incredibly challenging because I was told, ‘You shouldn’t walk outside with nail paint or cosmetics till you’re ready to be totally out,’ and all I wanted to do was be myself,” Totah told E! News exclusively.
And being unable to perform even the simplest things that affirm who you are at the age of 12 was really painful, as did having to bear the burden that the world does not accept you.
I’m unable to leave the four walls of my house as the person I believe I was created to be, which is an enslaving, traumatized sensation that makes life difficult. “
Totah admits that it’s “frightening” that people can seek out everything about her transition on the Internet, but she’s pleased to educate.
She expressed her gratitude by saying, “I’m very grateful that I’m able to be someone who people can look up to.” It’s worth taking the chance, and it’s worth all of the experiences and s—t I’ve had. Because by being myself, I’m able to make people feel less alone, and I’m really pleased with it. “
Indeed, fans are continually expressing their gratitude and support.
“To hear it from individuals is absolutely the greatest privilege of my life,” she said. Someone will approach me while I’m out at a party or going down the street, and it’s as if we don’t have to say much because we just know, and that’s so amazing.
Some individuals go their entire lives without feeling the kind of community connection that I have, and it’s incredible. I’m quite fortunate. “
She’s just as pleased to watch her LGBTQ+ idols shine, such as Pose’s ensemble and ELaverne!’s Cox.
“Even my peers, watching people my age like Hunter Schaefer and Kim Petras just stand in their power and just be their unapologetic selves, that I look up to,” she said, “that is what invigorates me.”
She wants everyone to feel confident as they celebrate Pride this month. “Pride means standing in your truth in the face of adversity, realizing your role on this planet, and feeling proud of that rather than ashamed of the person you were created to be,” she explained.
“And it includes all of your small flaws and things you think are wrong with you, as well as the things you like best about yourself.”
Totoh offered the following advice to young LGBTQ+ people who are struggling or seeking assistance on their journey: “It’s vital to realize that there are people ready to love you in this world, and that it’s OK to be sad and recognize that things aren’t fair and that life stinks.” But things improve, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel. “
