She’s one of the ball scene’s most widely recognized and beloved stars, a fashion model and now a bona fide reality TV star to boot. We all worship at the doorstep of Barbie Swae’s dreamhouse… and the best is yet to come! [Cover photo: @kombucci]
Thotyssey: Barbie, hello! Thanks so much for chatting during the busy holiday season! Did you enjoy Christmas vibes, and were you able to get all of your shopping done?
Barbie Swae: Hi! Oh my lord yes! I’d been shopping left and right, store to store… it’s been crazy!
Let’s get right into it! Are you Jersey native? What sort of interests did you grow up with… dance, fashion, etc.?
I’m from Newark NJ. I was always one of those kids watching Britney and Beyonce on the TV back when On Demand was around! I was always in dance or singing classes growing up. I graduated high school and went on to the nightlife in NYC.
Did your ballroom career and your trans identity kind of come into being at the same time, or did one inform the other?
My transition started at the age of 13. I started medically transitioning at 15 through a friend of mine — someone I looked more so as a motherly figure — that I met being in ballroom. But ballroom has definitely shaped me in many ways into the young lady I am today.
I understand you were the victim of an anti-trans bullying incident while you were a student in your Jersey high school, but you’ve spoken about it recently with a lot of sympathy and maturity for all the people involved. Did you always have that emotional maturity, or did you have to learn that?
Aw, that time was rough. I honestly look at it as one of the most important special parts of my life. I literally stood my ground and didn’t even know I was being an advocate. I was being a voice, and most importantly I was showing a representation of a young trans woman who lives in today’s society speaking up and being a voice for people who feel they cannot speak.
You are a very well-known and respected performer to have recently emerged from the ballroom scene. What are the preferred categories you walk in these day?
I walk Face and Realness performance — of course. I tap here and there into Best Dressed.
Ballroom has such a rich and fascinating history within queer culture. I’ve spoken to folks in the scene who want ballroom to be shared with more of the world, and to others who really want to keep it niche and queer and gatekept. What are your thoughts on that?
I always feel like this question has me at a standstill. As much as I want and I know a lot of the community wants to be seen… I mean, that’s the whole point. But ballroom was ballroom, now ballroom is a little bit more open and not so cutthroat — how it was and then should always be. Ballroom gave, “if you don’t have it, you don’t have it!” I know if I want to walk a real ball I need to meet the kiki scene again. That’s where the authentic, new, up and coming energy resides.
Another ballroom star to have recently popped into the mainstream is your sis Honey Balenciaga, a standout performer in Beyonce’s tour. It must have been wonderful to have witnessed the world discovering her excellence!
I’m so happy for my Honey Bee; her and I have literally grown together and been through so much in our own lives. To see her doing her, being the star she is … beautiful. I can’t wait to see what’s to come.
You were recently the runner up on OutTV’s premiere season of Slayers: Wheel of Fate, hosted by reality TV game changer Tiffany “New York” Pollard! Tiffany put all the contestants through the wringer in medieval / D&D type challenges. What on earth was that experience like?
DaddyTV and OutTV have been so amazing to me, and have shown me so much. My first ever TV show is with Tiffany New York!? Gagged. I was so honored to be part of this show: it was iconic, it was drama, it was everything I thought it would be and more. TV is not for the weak and definitely is work… that’s all I’m going to say.
So there’s no behind the scenes tea to spill?
The only tea is that everyone was trynna keep up with my looks.
How often do you still come out to the balls? Are you always treated like the proper royalty you are when you do?
I come out when It’s right, and usually those times are when everyone’s in town and the category screams my name. Ballroom and my House of Gorgeous Gucci treats me wonderfully.
Do you have any major idols in ballroom?
Lola Ebony, Lola Gorgeous Gucci, Leiomy, Tamiyah, Veronika, Jazmine, Dawn Ebony, Asia… Paris Hilton, lol.
What might your best advice be for a baby in the ballroom scene who wants to make it big?
Be you, walk with confidence, do what feels right in the heart. All you have is yourself, No one can tell you who you are. Trust your own process, and work hard.
Also, we’re in an unfortunate moment where an alarming number of people are trying to vilify and target the trans community. It’s scary, stupid and hateful. What might you say to trans folks who are scared and angry as words of hope, or a call to action?
Speak up. Actually do something for your trans brothers and sisters. Feed each other, talk to each other.
What’s coming up for you as far as ballroom, TV, modeling, maybe acting or music, etc.?
I’m working on something new that’ll be on your screen that I’m super excited about. I wish I could share more on that. I’m working on something in a lab with makeup… ugh, I wish I can say more. I really want to venture out to acting and just being on television. I love to work, I love to be on a set and I love to entertain… I literally crave it.
The world has gotten to see so many of your talents and amazing personality on the stage, the runway, in photos and videos and TV, etc. What’s something about you that maybe the world hasn’t seen yet, that you’re excited to let them see?
I am so much more than what you think. I am so capable of anything that’s put in front of me. I make everything iconic. I just want to continue to give the world inspiration, life, talent and authenticity. Please keep your eye on Ms. Barbie Swae, because she is coming.
Finally, it’s never too early to make a list… what do you want for Christmas 2026!?
A pink Bentley!
Thanks Barbie, Happy New Year!
Check Thotyssey’s calendar for Barbie Swae’s upcoming area appearances, and follow her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Thotyssey 