Mila Jam embodies what it means to break barriers and redefine success.
From her beginnings as a YouTube sensation to becoming a bona fide multihyphenate, Mila's journey reminds us to think the unthinkable and dream the impossible.
Mila's love for the stage began at an early age, and it was clear from the start that performing was her calling. "I started performing when I was like five," she recalls. "I just felt this energy as a kid to sing and dance and act." That passion never waned, and over the years, Mila transitioned from musical theater to recording music and creating her own brand. But for Mila, being on stage is more than just performing. "I feel like I'm serving a purpose," she says. And it's that sense of purpose that drives her every day.
Andrew Werner for Mila Jam at Porchlight
Her discography is a celebration of identity, love, and empowerment, themes deeply rooted in her personal experiences. "For me, it starts with some of the cliche topics," she explains. "How [Black trans women] fit in the world, dating, and self-image." But her approach is anything but cliche. Her lyrics and performances reflect her challenges and triumphs, from the pain of mistreatment to the strength of self-affirmation. "As a marginalized person of color and someone in the queer community, I'm always told that I can't, I shouldn't, I'm not supposed to be where I am," she says. "But I just never believe that to be true."
"I am, I should, I will, and I do."
The music industry is notoriously tough, and for trans artists, the challenges can be even greater. Mila has faced her share of ups and downs. "The industry doesn't really care about the well-being of artists," she notes. "It's a business, and they're looking for opportunities to capitalize on who's doing the thing, who's the best, who's the hottest." Despite the pressures, Mila stays grounded in her lifelong dream of being a pop star. "It's a constant battle of 'I am enough,' but then you doubt yourself," she admits.
Yet, even in dark moments of doubt, she shines.
Her professional trajectory has taken her through several "pinch-me" moments. One experience was performing alongside the legendary Chaka Khan at Chicago Pride to the tune of"I'm Every Woman" (iconic moves!). Another was lending her voice and likeness for Concord, produced by Sony Interactive Entertainment, bringing trans visibility to the world of video games. Her backstory for the character, Bazz, is inspired by her own.
And, the latest, getting the opportunity to perform at the Democratic National Convention. She reached new heights here, becoming the first trans artist to perform at the convention.
"This was totally a stroke of luck," she admits, recounting how a chance conversation led to her performing the Black National Anthem to a room of nearly 700 California delegates and supporters. "I felt like this is going to be the most historic election of our lives, and I just wanted to be a part of it in some way." The experience was not just a personal victory for Mila but a powerful statement about the importance of representation and inclusion in spaces where trans voices are often left out.
As for what's next, Mila is excited about her debut album, which she describes as a game-changer. "We've been putting in the sweat and the tears for years," she says. She's also gearing up to headline Atlanta Pride, yet another milestone that holds special significance as it will be the first time she performs in front of her family.
Making history as much as music comes easy to Mila.
When asked about her legacy, Mila responded, "I hope that my legacy is that people are left with some form of purpose, uplifting, and inspiration from my work." A legacy as someone who made a difference and inspired others to go after their dreams and live their truth unapologetically.
Andrew Werner for Mila Jam at Porchlight
While uniquely hers, Mila's story is part of an incredible tapestry of trans people of color, past and present. The challenges of existing at the intersection of gender, race, and the refusal to dim one's light for others. The strength, courage -- and, at times, fear and violence -- of visibility. And the power and perseverance to defy the odds.
Her story isn't just about the music but the sheer joy of living in one's truth.
"It's unscripted, uncharted territory, and that's what trans people do. We live in uncharted, unbridled dreams."
As Mila's dreams come to fruition, I can only hope others dream big, too.
Voices is dedicated to featuring a wide range of inspiring personal stories and impactful opinions from the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. Visit out.com/submit to learn more about submission guidelines. We welcome your thoughts and feedback on any of our stories. Email us at voices@equalpride.com. Views expressed in Voices stories are those of the guest writers, columnists and editors, and do not directly represent the views of Out or our parent company, equalpride.
