This month’s issue of Diversity Rules Magazine features an interview with Vanilla Carter by Tim Blankenship, who is competing in the Miss International Queen Contest.
Born in Syracuse, NY to a military family, transgender pageant model Vanilla Carter’s childhood was a constant storm, filled with trials she never asked for but ultimately overcame. She grew up in a heavy Christian family environment where being who she is today was not allowed. Her young life was marked by all forms of abuse—mental, physical, emotional, and even sexual, all at the hands of her father. She endured hardship and faced homelessness at every turn, and by the age of 4, Vanilla found herself in the foster care system. Though it was meant to be a refuge, even there, she continued to face abuse and instability, moving from one place to the next.
Yet, through it all, she never let her struggles break her. In December, Carter will compete at the Miss International Queen – USA pageant, taking place at Harrah’s in Las Vegas. Miss International Queen – USA is the premier beauty pageant for transgender women in the United States. Vanilla will compete against over 25 other trans women from across the USA for the prestigious title.
Read the full interview with Vanilla Carter HERE, and check out the Diversity Rules Magazine Blog as well for other featured articles.