Champions teen star Josie Totah comes out as transgender

Vulture

In a Time essay, the 17-year-old Totah, star of the canceled NBC sitcom, writes about being transgender: "This is not something that just happened. This is not a choice that I made. When I was five, long before I understood what the word gender meant, I would always tell my mother that I wished I were a girl. Since I could speak in full sentences, I was like, 'Give me a dress!' I always knew on some level that I was female. But it crystallized about three years ago when I was a 14-year-old watching the show I Am Jazz with my mother." Champions co-creator Mindy Kaling tweeted her support for Totah: "I love you, Josie. I’m so glad you’re able to speak your truth and live as your authentic self. You’re also so damn talented - I can’t wait to write for you again!"