We're not defined by our circumstances, and we can always find a way to rise above it.
Sometimes all you're looking for is an apology.
My mother is gay. She was married to my dad up until I was 9. She was just like, 'I'm tired of this. I'm just going to be with who I want to be with.' So I've been raised by women, through my mom and also my aunt. My aunt is bi, and most of her partners have been women. I was always surrounded by a very strong tribe of people.
I would be remiss not to take advantage of this platform that I have, because I don't want any other woman or girl feeling like the way that I felt: that I didn't belong, that I would never succeed in the medium that I'm choosing to pursue because my hair isn't straight or my skin isn't light or my eyes aren't bright.
It doesn't matter what background you come from; it doesn't matter what your circumstances are - you can survive.
Growing up, I never felt like I was very pretty, because I didn't look like anyone else, and the boys weren't lining up to get with me. I internalized that and thought there was something wrong with me.
Everybody knows, when you have a band, there's always going to be a hierarchy, and there's always going to be some issue where ego gets involved and causes some kind of shake-up.
My hair was curly, and everyone else's was straight or in micro braids. I didn't have a lot of money, so I shopped at thrift stores. And I'm petite - I never looked shapely. I remember thinking, 'Will I ever have that stereotypical round, full butt that people think most black women have? I had to find another way to feel good about myself.
I didn't have to look like Jughead to have him be my favorite character.
I can't express enough to anyone who is fighting for whatever their dream is, whether it's to become a doctor, or a teacher, or a photographer - it doesn't matter - it's such a hard, hard road.