Today we’d like to introduce you to Toni Bryce.
Toni, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Acting: I started acting my Junior year of high school. It’s been 11 years now since that era of my life. Theatre was everything to me. I served both in front and behind the curtains. My first show was “A Christmas Carol” in 2007 where I was the Dramaturg and my last show prior to graduating in 2009 was “Jesus Christ Superstar” was I was John and also a part of the ensemble. When I went to college, I thought I wanted to major in musical theater, but I kept hearing my high school drama teacher telling me not to because it doesn’t pay well. So, I got my degree in Hospitality and Restaurant Administration to serve as my backup plan in case acting didn’t work out. That was my plan at least, but I had gotten so wrapped up in making a career work that I didn’t put any energy into my true passion, acting. It wasn’t until I was into my career 4 years while I was living in Orlando, FL, I got the revelation that the Hospitality industry wasn’t my passion. So, I moved to Atlanta in 2016, keeping my job and working from home until I finally mustered up the strength to leave and pursue acting full time. I went from web series to indie movies, to background on tv shows, to commentating on an MTV special, to making an impression on major industry people and getting an audition for a leading role on a new tv show coming to Starz called “Pussy Valley.” Unfortunately, I was not chosen for the role, but it was an amazing experience and let me know my talent goes beyond an agent or manager, which I don’t have currently.
Transitioning: I knew that I was a female spirit and energy when I was about 5 years old. I specifically remember my mother coming home and catching me with her lipstick on and getting very upset. She asked me three questions at that moment; 1. Do you want to be a girl? 2. Do you want to wear a dress? 3. Do you want to have a sex change? (which still blows my mind and seems to unreal) So, in order to prevent an ass whooping, I said, “NO!” I struggled along the way because I had suppressed that memory in my life and didn’t want to go back there. So, there was a long season of my thinking it was sexuality thing that didn’t feel right. But it was really, and always was a gender identity issue. I never dated a “gay” as a “man” because that didn’t right or natural for me. Thus, I was single and a virgin. Around 2012, I really had to deal with self-love and God’s love. I knew I had to accept it all for what it is and I did. So, on my 25th birthday, I made the decision that I needed to transition to be happy and live in my truth. And the rest is history. I love that my female energy and spirit are matching my outside. It gives me a joy and confidence I never knew before.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not. I remember when I first started acting in Atlanta. I was fresh into my transition and nobody was checking for us, Trans* actors. Our stories were not significant enough to have as features and leads. Lavern Cox was on OITNB, but that was not on a TV network where people were tuning in every week, it was on Netflix. I submitted for so many things that year and was overlooked. I was also very honest with my submissions, I always advised of my identity, which I think really was the reason I wasn’t getting booked. I remember when I stopped, especially with background work, I would just submit with resume and pics, they’d book me and I’d show up. But so many times I feel like they were intimidated with using me because as a Trans woman I never showed up half-stepping, I always looked beautiful and on point, like I was a cast member. So, many times they didn’t use me for that reason, at least I think so. That would suck and I’d be over it after spending all those hours on sets to expand my experience and building my resume. My advice would be to be you unapologetically, never focusing on what the other people are thinking and possibly saying. Know that in this season, it’s our (Trans* actors) time to shine. Our stories do matter and we deserve opportunities just like anyone else. Believe in yourself, be your biggest cheerleader and never compare yourself to the next because your time is YOUR TIME.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your business – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Currently, I star in a web series called “Twisted.” My character, Vanessa Davis, is Youth Center Director that is a former sex worker and trying to change her life for the better. But with all stories, there are twists and turns that are unexpected and she has to navigate through it all. I’ve had some pretty awesome roles and have been a part of some amazing shows with millions of views. I’m most proud that in this climate in Atlanta, I was able to get out there in the industry and really compete with the men in the LGBT indie industry. I am that Trans woman and actor that is booking roles and making my self-visible. Earlier this year, I was awarded the “Rising Star” award via Dream House TV alongside Brandon Carson, Gary Lavard, Chris June and MikeyATL. I’m proud that I’m encouraged and strong enough to live out loud and be an example and creating a new narrative for the younger generation of Trans* youth. I feel my authenticity sets me apart. I’m so honest about who I am and how I feel, it’s probably too much at times. I’m sure my future publicist will have fun with that. I don’t live a false reality, I’m really about T.M.I. flaws and struggles. I even wrote a blog at the beginning of my transition to invite people along my journey and also as a form of advocacy. I’m also very humble and grateful.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Janet Mock’s “Redefining Realness” is an amazing book that I’m reading. It’s crazy to read about someone else’s story and can really relate with so many things. My own blog also helps me because it allows me to see where I’ve come from and the things I’ve overcome as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: LoveAlwaysToniB.wordpress.com
- Phone: 404-399-9629
- Email: ToniBHines@gmail.com
- Instagram: TheToniBryce
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LoveAlwaysToniB
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/thetonibryce?lang=en
Image Credit:
Makeup and Photo by Charlisse Patina
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