English Version | Going with grace

Indya Moore is only 28 years old, but seems to have lived several lives already. They were born in the Bronx, in New York, but at the age of 14 left the place they called home, because they were not accepted by their family or the community. Today, they are more than a successful actor, they’re a reference. In fashion, in Hollywood, a determined and fearless activist representing the LGBTQIA+ community.

Indya Moore's pre-stardom years were tumultuous, marked by traumatic experiences: they lived on the streets, were victims of sex trafficking, and struggled with addiction. While all this was going on, they kept trying to figure out who they were, between hormones and surgeries. Even so, perseverance spoke louder, and they were able to reinvent themselves through the pain. Today, they have an admirable CV, which includes covers of several editions of Vogue, Elle, and were even named one of the most influential people by Time magazine in 2019. They have also represented major fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton and Tommy Hilfiger, and brought to life the character Angel in the iconic series Pose, a drama about the Afro and Latin American LGBTQIA+ scene of New York's ballroom culture. They have a magical and mesmerizing beauty, but at the same time they are much more than just a pretty face. They are a symbol of courage, authenticity, and love in all its forms. We look at them as true role models. Always aware of the weight that this position carries, they seek to be a source of courage and inspiration for all, sharing and multiplying what they have learned in this journey, walking with elegance, kindness, and above all, respect for others.

Despite their past experiences, they exude a graceful and captivating presence. How they have used their pain to create admirable art, we begin by asking them. "My creative expressions are inspired by what I observe of the world around me, and especially what I have learned through life experience, both my own and that of others. The way my relationships have influenced me and the way I have influenced my relationships shape what I choose to share with the world. I have learned that the intention I set is the foundation through which the things I create will be reflected. This has helped me to be more focused and conscious in what I create or share, and has also paved the way for me to be more responsible for the influence I have on others. I believe my life experience, (at times violent, and saturated with pain and loss), has helped me to imagine peace and to desire it." And goes on "Being someone who influences people in a positive way when they encounter me or my work carries a lot of responsibility. [...] These past few years I have worked hard to expand my ability to be responsible in all these ways, and I am grateful for the mistakes I have made in my personal life because they have helped me refine my lifestyle in a way that reflects more light. [...] All of these experiences combined have made me a more gracious person with others and myself, helped me feel lighter and kinder in a sincere and intentional way. Through these 'mines' I have found much gold and my hope is to share it with the world and make it easier to access, so that others don't have to hurt themselves and get lost in these depths. Life is living alchemy, and we as human beings can transform ourselves into the best representation of our existence. However, I firmly believe that we must first not be afraid of change, both in ourselves and in others. We cannot wait until the next life for transformation to happen, we must believe in it now and allow it in others and in ourselves. I think this may be how I learn to turn my pain into a transformative and creative experience."

Even at a distance, separated by an ocean and a virtual universe, Moore doesn't hesitate to linger on each question we ask him. It is this delicacy, unusual in this medium, that makes us admire her even more. The interview continues at its normal pace with the usual questions. The series you starred in, Pose, was a huge success, and tells a story very close to yours. We want to know what the biggest challenge is, when doing something that carries so many emotions. "The biggest challenge is having the ability to compartmentalize with purpose. I have learned that the best way to tell another character's life experience is to know the difference between what is happening to them and what happened to me, even when those things are very similar. I think that controlling this ability allows me to be fully present to be the character I become for storytelling, and also to be fully present to myself when I am living my own story off screen. "This is a challenge that has inspired my journey to master self-control and self-awareness." When we ask Indya about the progress that has occurred in the queer community in this industry, they readily give us several names of personalities that serve as inspiration to them: MJ Rodriguez, Hunter Schafer, Kim Petras, the list goes on. They tell us about the positive advances in recent years, stressing the importance of allies in the art world. However, they say there is still a retrograde political narrative that hurts the community. In the future, hopes to see more public debate about the concerns and questions people have about trans experiences - especially those who, like them, made the transition at a young age: "I want to see more kindness towards us, I want that when one of us wins something, the subject is not treated as something too heavy. I want more compassion for us and our experiences, and also for other people. We are all growing, and all of us together today share an experience that is sacred and spiritually familiar. Let's talk about fashion. Or rather, this editorial that they star in for this issue of Vogue. It is a shooting with a very spiritual, even sacred energy. Does Indya follow some spiritual practice or ritual? "Yes, I have increased the frequency with which I meditate and use medicinal plants as tools to relax and feel better. I use different crystals and symbols to remind myself of who I am and to stay in a connection to the earth and its life force, as well as to the great spirit of the universe. I give thanks more often for what I have, and try to remember to communicate my thanks as often as possible. I exercise connection with all those who constitute who I am, all my ancestors, and commune with them through myself and my body. I believe there is much experience and love within us, as well as lessons from the mistakes of our ancestors. [...] Above all, my spiritual practice is love and respect for others and their lives."

In the past, you confessed that you used to have a hard time dealing with the concept of beauty. How has that changed today? "I'm not the same person I was before when I said that. Now I love beauty, I love beauty so much, I love to decorate myself, I love to wear beautiful pieces of stone and metal, like gold, silver, or other crystals if I can. I love the moonstone, Larimar. I love taking care of my skin, drinking water, and eating; I love how I look in the mirror. I also love how I feel inside. I fell completely in love with myself the more clearly I could see myself and the deeper I converged into my inner self. I love beauty and I also love to celebrate the beauty of other people, I love the beauty of the earth, animals, birds, insects, plants and trees. [...] Personally, my perception of beauty is a reflection of how I experience life itself, but also to a large extent how I feel inside. I love beauty, and I think my obstacle was related to the difficulty I had in conceptualizing myself: my desires, my pleasure, and loving myself. Today, beauty is everything to me." In the future, they tell us, they hope to be able to finish some projects they have in hand that they are eager to share with the public. They want to continue to believe in themselves to pursue their career. And they want to be able to share their memories and help their family, as well as all those who come across them. One last question in the midst of all there is to talk about? What was your "I made it" moment? Indya answers, as usual, in a gracious and unpretentious way: "It was recently, the moment I fell completely in love with myself, a couple of weeks ago. The laughter I shared with myself and the experience I had. I didn't just think 'I made it', I also thought 'I get it’. I hope to have many more of these moments in the future, for different reasons, that's for sure."

Translated from the original on The Good Luck Issue, published march 2023.Full stories and credits on the print issue.