M1ss Jade So: Let Yourself Fly
Everyone thinks that October is a month—an opportunity—to be someone else. Some people plan for months and others haphazardly put their costumes together hours before the party, but everyone comes together in the end. We all like to play dress-up for Halloween. The thing is, playing dress-up doesn’t mean playing pretend.
Case in point: M1ss Jade So, an aesthetic chameleon and talented drag performer, who transformed before our eyes one Friday afternoon. It was almost hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, we watched her get emotional on Drag Race Philippines as she recalled an experience where others minimized her own truth.
“I honestly felt very hurt because as a person who was denied their rights, I wasn’t able to express who I really was,” says M1ss Jade. “It was one of the darkest moments of my life.”
The instance in question was a pivotal coming-of-age moment for everyone: prom. It’s a collective experience—getting your hair done, getting your makeup done, buying the right outfit and accessories—and a younger M1ss Jade showed up decked in a white cocktail dress to experience everything that prom had to offer her. Except she was denied entry, the powers-that-be insisting that she change into something more traditionally masculine.
“I became stronger not only as a person but as a trans woman,” she says to Wonder. “Sharing my story is an honor because I don’t want anybody to experience the same things that I experienced. I want kids to fully express who they are without anyone denying who they really are.”
M1ss Jade So: Let Yourself Fly
Everyone thinks that October is a month—an opportunity—to be someone else. Some people plan for months and others haphazardly put their costumes together hours before the party, but everyone comes together in the end. We all like to play dress-up for Halloween. The thing is, playing dress-up doesn’t mean playing pretend.
Case in point: M1ss Jade So, an aesthetic chameleon and talented drag performer, who transformed before our eyes one Friday afternoon. It was almost hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, we watched her get emotional on Drag Race Philippines as she recalled an experience where others minimized her own truth.
“I honestly felt very hurt because as a person who was denied their rights, I wasn’t able to express who I really was,” says M1ss Jade. “It was one of the darkest moments of my life.”
The instance in question was a pivotal coming-of-age moment for everyone: prom. It’s a collective experience—getting your hair done, getting your makeup done, buying the right outfit and accessories—and a younger M1ss Jade showed up decked in a white cocktail dress to experience everything that prom had to offer her. Except she was denied entry, the powers-that-be insisting that she change into something more traditionally masculine.
“I became stronger not only as a person but as a trans woman,” she says to Wonder. “Sharing my story is an honor because I don’t want anybody to experience the same things that I experienced. I want kids to fully express who they are without anyone denying who they really are.”
M1ss Jade So: Let Yourself Fly
Everyone thinks that October is a month—an opportunity—to be someone else. Some people plan for months and others haphazardly put their costumes together hours before the party, but everyone comes together in the end. We all like to play dress-up for Halloween. The thing is, playing dress-up doesn’t mean playing pretend.
Case in point: M1ss Jade So, an aesthetic chameleon and talented drag performer, who transformed before our eyes one Friday afternoon. It was almost hard to believe that just a few weeks ago, we watched her get emotional on Drag Race Philippines as she recalled an experience where others minimized her own truth.
“I honestly felt very hurt because as a person who was denied their rights, I wasn’t able to express who I really was,” says M1ss Jade. “It was one of the darkest moments of my life.”
The instance in question was a pivotal coming-of-age moment for everyone: prom. It’s a collective experience—getting your hair done, getting your makeup done, buying the right outfit and accessories—and a younger M1ss Jade showed up decked in a white cocktail dress to experience everything that prom had to offer her. Except she was denied entry, the powers-that-be insisting that she change into something more traditionally masculine.
“I became stronger not only as a person but as a trans woman,” she says to Wonder. “Sharing my story is an honor because I don’t want anybody to experience the same things that I experienced. I want kids to fully express who they are without anyone denying who they really are.”
Left: Motecalvo Designs dress, Vilrique skirt, Mikael Edwardo Designs necklace, Elinails nails
Right: Herwin Cardoza skirt
Videography and Editing Pao Burgos
And while that crucial moment happened years ago, M1ss Jade So is still fighting the good fight. Exactly how she stood up to the people who demanded she change during prom, she has called out establishments that remain ignorant to today’s times.
Just last month, she brought attention to a waxing establishment for discriminating against her, citing that their aesthetician was uncomfortable proceeding with the appointment. On her part, M1ss Jade accepted the situation and the aesthetician’s choice, but asked to speak to their management, saying that “this establishment should have proper [a] seminar when it comes to gender sensitivity and inclusivity.”
East of Eden breast plate, Elementari PH chokers and rings, Mikael Edwardo Designs earrings, Paint and Style nails
Despite these instances, M1ss Jade has become witness to the power of transformation and embracing one’s truth. She thinks back to when she started performing, and shares: “The landscape of drag when I started was very limited to just nightclubs, small talent fees, no events like viewing parties. Now that we have Drag Race Philippines, it has made a huge impact in the drag industry, but not just the drag industry; to the whole mainstream industry, such as fashion, music, art, television and media.”
The art of drag isn’t for the faint of heart. It takes hours of preparation and a level of confidence that would put beauty queens to shame. Putting on the makeup, the costume and that persona isn’t something anyone can do on a whim. But watching M1ss Jade transform from one look to the next seemed so natural, like she was more herself in front of the camera. Given the opportunity to dress up truly brings another side of her out, and it’s a side that she revels and shines in.
When we ask what it’s like to perform in front of an audience, M1ss Jade says: “I always feel confident.” But that’s not to say that she doesn’t get anxious—even with 24 years of doll shenanigans under her belt.
“I can still feel the social anxiety in me,” she says. “I don’t know how that works, when you feel confident and have social anxiety at the same time. But I’ve always wanted a perfect performance, and when I make mistakes, it makes me anxious. But as far as I know, I want to embody and evolve to the Goddessa that I am.”
But even a Goddessa like M1ss Jade So has her weaknesses, the one thing that she knows she can improve on and is humble enough to admit.”I wish I knew how to improv and dance really well because I just discovered that those are my weaknesses,” she says. “Having learned these beforehand would have been a great help to me as a drag artist.”
Nevertheless, M1ss Jade knows what it’s like to bear the fruit of her labors. She notes that getting her first ever RuBadge and being named first of the top four artists in the latest season of Drag Race Philippines are two of her most memorable moments. It needs no mentioning that being awarded a RuBadge is no easy feat, and making it to the final four even more so—not when there are countless entries and 12 season participants.
Now, M1ss Jade So is continuing to reap the benefits of her hard work. She’s making the most of every opportunity provided to her, and making the world a safer place for anyone just wanting to live their truth. She’s carved her own stage and is using her platform to bring attention to the causes that she lived through herself. Because in those moments when the pay was barely enough and the adults surrounding her did everything they could to put out her flame, she refused to back down. And now she’s standing taller than ever, and is making sure no one else has to experience what she did.
“[Inclusivity] is important because it’s for the trans youth to live their lives authentically, and for their protection,” she says. “When I was in high school, I had suicidal thoughts because I was bullied and harassed, and no one deserves to be treated that way.”
We ask M1ss Jade what she’d tell her younger self, armed with the knowledge and experience that she now has. Her answer surprises us; it’s not a piece of advice or a warning or a promise that things will change or get better, it’s not a request to just hold on. Instead, she gives her younger self the kudos she rightfully deserves.
M1ss Jade answers: “I would salute her courage and bravery.”
Playing dress-up isn’t a pastime, and it’s not a call for attention. It’s a challenge that challenges the way society does things, sees things. It’s a demand that society acknowledge and accept who people—all people—are, and how they represent themselves.
So put your face on.
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Photography Jerick Sanchez assisted by Bryle Albano and Karl Rimando
Art and Art Direction Alexandra Lara
Cover Story Adie Pieraz
Fashion Direction Sarah Santiago
Styling Gee Jocson assisted by Jason Mago and Angelo Vasallo
Beauty Direction Elisa Aquino
Glam M1ss Jade So
Wig Styling JCOURSE
Production Wonder
Location Bulb Studios
