With Transgender Day of Visibility right around the corner, we wanted to say how thankful we are to the members of the trans & non-binary community who spent time talking and sharing about their lives, their journey, and their passions.
It is so important, especially now, to lift up and celebrate these voices.
This week, I had the pleasure of talking to Maze Felix, an Ohio native making a name for themself in Los Angeles.
Who is Maze?
Hi there, I’m Maze Felix and my pronouns are they/them. I am a polyamorous queer trans non-binary AAPI Chinese transracial adoptee! I carry a degree in American Sign Language interpreting, and I also am a full time actor. I recently moved to LA from Ohio just about a year ago, and never imagined that I would have the privilege to be able work, create, and be surrounded by talented folks of similar paths, identities, and passions. I am personally passionate about community building, surrounding myself by authenticity and intersectional identities, and collective care. I am an avid outdoor hiker, love playing ultimate frisbee, and I am a seasoned and very proud guinea pig parent! I also have a deep love for cows and ice cream!
When do you feel like your truest self?
I feel that I am my truest self when I'm either hiking or being the absolute silliest, dorkiest human with all my partners. I had top surgery in 2020 and since then, whenever I am hiking, I feel gender euphoria in my body that I struggled to connect with for so long in my life. When I'm with my partners, I feel like I do not have to mask at all, and to be emotionally my truest self is just as important as physically!
How important has access to gender-affirming healthcare been to you?
Gender-affirming healthcare has been vital and life saving for me. I started T in late 2021, while I was still living in Ohio and right before I made the decision to move to Los Angeles. I have a lot of fear and mistrust with the healthcare system for many reasons, and one being that there is a lack of access for trans folks and gatekeeping in the healthcare system. Finding gender-affirming healthcare has supported my journey with transition physically, emotionally, and also socially and every time I heal and am provided access in a safe, affirming, supportive healthcare environment, it is life saving for me.
What can allies do to better support the transgender community?
I hope allies can step up and use their privilege to fight NOT for us, but WITH our community! Allyship is not just earned once, and it is a daily practice.
Follow Maze on Instagram.