Today we’d like to introduce you to Zara Crystal.
Hi Zara, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Well, about three years ago, I ran away from my hyper-religious home in hopes to save my life. I arrived at Prairie St John’s mental hospital in Fargo ND the day before Minnesota shut down due to COVID-19. There, I came to terms with my gender and sexuality and came out as a transgender woman. Shortly after that moved into a transitional living program for homeless youth and then got my apartment through Fraser youth services.
After that, I started my transition and put myself through my senior year of high school at Fargo South. When I saw my community being attacked I decided I couldn’t stay silent so I started protesting and eventually organized protests with others. I also made a goal to become a professional model and singer. I started shooting my photos and writing music. I sang at competitions and drag shows and now plan to move to Los Angeles with my partner to pursue my dream.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a rough road. I’ve been working through a lot of trauma from my abusive family and going through 3 years of conversion therapy. I lost a lot of loved ones and gained friends that hurt me all over again.
I was so sheltered growing up that I didn’t know how to operate in the real world. That left me vulnerable to people who looked to take advantage of me. Now with all the legislation nationwide I don’t feel safe in the city that used to be my liberation.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I work at Youthworks in Fargo as a part-time shelter worker and every so often I work as a drag queen in the local drag scene.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/livingaszara?igshid=ZDc4ODBmNjlmNQ==
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@livingaszara
- Tiktok: tiktok.com/@zaracrystal
