Miss Benny never imagined herself as a role model, but considering her extraordinary array of accolades—lead actor, musician, screenwriter, and outspoken trans activist—the reasons come into clear focus. V chatted about the creative process, empowerment, and identity with the multi-hyphenate on her one-year anniversary of starting hormone replacement therapy (HRT). In a poignant reflection, she recounts her cathartic victories—being gendered correctly for the first time, graciously receiving compliments, and basking in the beauty of living authentically.

Launching the vulnerable and sultry EP Swelter in June alongside the Netflix show Glamorous, Miss Benny charged through 2023 with enviable creative prowess. Currently immersed in work for her next record, she says the creative process has brought its own surprises, from ruminations on dating straight men (“not as fear-inducing as expected”) to turning gender dysphoria into euphoria (“like feeling peace for the first time”).

A self-described Carrie Bradshaw (lively, chic, self-starting), Miss Benny has had the uniquely fabulous opportunity of working with Sex and the City alum Kim Cattrall on Glamorous as the show’s genderqueer lead character, Marco Mejia. It’s been more than just a platform for the young actor’s breakout performance; the show’s narrative has mirrored Miss Benny’s own journey to find her identity.

“At the beginning, Marco was always just meant to be a gay boy who wore makeup and was comfortable with that.” Miss Benny shares. “As I figured out that I was trans, that got written into the show.” Marco has had an outsized impact on parents tuning in, who credit her with helping them to foster understanding of their queer children. Such opportunity and recognition have made Miss Benny’s heart swell. “This generation has gotten to indulge in a lot of joy because of queer elders that opened doors for us.”

Born in Dallas, Texas, the young Miss Benny struggled with identity and the complications that arose from having parents new to queer life. She cites the years-long evolution of her relationship with them (and the excitement over her mother visiting for the HRT anniversary) as markers of fulfilling growth in their relationship. Sharing struggles and wins with trans peers in entertainment like Dylan Mulvaney and Josie Totah has also provided heady inspiration. “A lot of trans experiences can be very isolating and lonely. It’s been super helpful to have these girls as a sounding board for what we’re all going through,” Miss Benny says.

It’s clear Miss Benny operates at the center of a trailblazing game of “What if…?” With an infectious energy and an unwavering commitment to her craft, she champions hard work, intentional manifestation, and the creation of projects that align with her deepest passions. In addition to her music and acting, she is now in the process of writing the roles and doing the storytelling she’d like to see in the media. “The dream is that next year,” Miss Benny declares, “a million press pieces come out about me and people know all about my business.” With an album on the way and perennial projects in motion, Miss Benny’s narrative has just begun, a flower on its way to full bloom.

This story appears in the pages of V146: now available for purchase!

Photography Dennis Leupold

Fashion Marta Del Rio

Makeup Esther Foster

Hair Patricia Morales at The Visionaries Agency for Rizos Curls

Set design Michael Sturgeon

Production Jordan Metz (Art+Department)

Digital technician Kevin Leupold

Photo assistants Tommy Blanco, Winston Kingstro, Allison Lopez, Sabrina Patino

Stylist assistant Kiera Maroney

Hair assistant Travis Takara

Set design assistant Ryan Schaefer

Location Dust Studios