What a weekend! I just finished an epic couple of days in New York with my Mastercard family for World Pride festivities! Not only did I get to catch 3,000,000 people participate in an epic parade but I was wowed by iconic performances at Pride Island by Pabllo Vittar, Teyana Taylor & GRACE JONES, (I mean GRACE JONES), which I enjoyed from the Mastercard suite!! I was in awe as she is someone we all know as being a legend so getting to see her perform, especially after how long she has conquered the industry, was such a treat! It was so nice getting to enjoy Pride, eat well and spend some time with friends I haven’t seen in a while!!! 

The undisputed highlight of this World Pride weekend was getting to join Mastercard at Pride Fest and getting my very own True Name card made in real time at Mastercard’s booth! If you follow me on Instagram, then you got to catch this moment as it happened on Sunday afternoon! 

Mastercard recently introduced the True Name card, which is the brand’s commitment to give transgender & non-binary people the ability to have their chosen name on the front of their card. This is an amazing initiative in an effort to avoid those awkward moments I know all too well. As someone who identifies as transgender, I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been asked for a credit card or ID and because it doesn’t reflect how I look or identify myself, have had to deal with a strange double-take. There is nothing worse than having to explain my story in a moment when all I want is acceptance and privacy.

The True Name card gives me the ability to choose a True Name that reflects ME and let it proudly be seen on my card.  This is my choice and my story, and I am joining Mastercard on calling to the industry to apply these standards for everyone, ensuring a way for people’s financial products to reflect their true identity, and to be able to do what they need to do with piece of mind!!!