Siren the Barbie

Siren The Barbie's Story:

What's your preferred name?

Siren The Barbie

What are your pronouns?

She/her/hers

Please share with us how you identify and understand yourself.

I identify as me. That may sound a bit cheesy, but I have been on this earth too long to identify as just one label. I am not just a trans girl or a performer. I’m also a dog mom, a friend, a neighbor, the villain in someone’s story, a party girl, a homebody, found in a mosh pit crying to a band, etc. My life is simply far too complex to simplify my identity with one label.

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

My self-expression in performance art has helped me process emotions I find myself dealing with, whether I'm working through traumas or celebrating victories. It’s also helped me find confidence in myself both on and off the stage.

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

Oak Harbor, Washington - a PNW native! I think the reality of growing up “different” in a small conservative town always motivated me to leave and find my tribe. It was the push needed to experience more and seek diversity.

What is a life goal that you are working on or have achieved? How has working towards this goal helped you understand yourself as an individual?

I have achieved so many life goals - even ones I wouldn’t have originally thought would be goals - and they all have shown me that if there’s something I want on a great level, I will achieve it. My focus level has always been that of an ADHD-ridden squirrel, but when there’s a goal, I am SO locked in!

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

I look at all of the pioneer trans women who came before me. Amanda Lepore, Lana Wachowski, Candis Cayne, Caroline Cossey, Laura Jane Grace, etc. Coming publicly out as trans in 2011 in a small town with no resources was a scary time, and finding humans in the world who were living their lives successfully was so needed for reassurance that things would be ok.

What's something that you worry about?

I worry about the younger generations of trans kids during these backward political times we’re finding ourselves in. I fear they’ll be forced to grow up in the same environment I had to grow up in and forced to feel like there’s no community for them. No acceptance. Ostracized by everyone around them.

What gives you hope?

The voices of our allies. Knowing we may be going back, but we’re not completely lost. Knowing that there still are resources and a community holding on together, ready to push back against the oppressor.

What would you say if you had a message for your younger self?

Stop thinking about it and just do it.

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

Not everyone is your friend, but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give them the opportunity to be.

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

It’s okay not to understand the complexities of the trans community, but stop and listen to us before voicing your opinions. LISTEN.