ROSE MONTOYA
“I’m honestly surprised by how much has actually changed since I’ve become a content creator full time,” Rose Montoya reflects. Only a few years ago, the Latine, bisexual, and nonbinary transgender model, speaker, and advocate primarily worked as a makeup artist at a cosmetics counter. But when COVID-19 hit and she was laid off, Montoya decided to pivot. Now, they’re primarily known for their Trans 101 video series, “which teaches about transitioning, healthcare, language, history, politics, pop culture, and all things trans,” Montoya says. “I spend every day on TikTok educating my audience and uplifting my community all while entertaining, looking fabulous, and leaving a smile on people’s faces.” Besides educating and entertaining, Montoya’s content has led to systemic change in the TSA, universities and libraries, as well as in individuals. She has been featured in Out magazine’s OUT100 issue in 2021, nominated by Queerty for Favorite TikToker of 2022, and invited to speak on LATV’s The Q Agenda for Women’s History Month earlier this year. Despite all of their successes, life isn’t always easy for Montoya. After some of her videos went viral this past Trans Day of Visibility, the creator was bombarded by haters. To improve her mood, she turned to the runways in the queer Ballroom scene, including at Legendary Father Markus Tisci’s April Fools’ Ball in LA, where she won grand prize for Fem Queen Face. “Being surrounded by [my] community and celebrated for my identity fills me with joy,” Montoya recalls. “After all, our joy is our greatest weapon against adversity. Conservatives can take away our healthcare, our education, our access to bathrooms, our ability to play sports, but they cannot take away our identities, our love, our joy.”
