Leah Juliett Visits Section 36!

Photo by Steve Smith Photography

Section 36 has another visitor! Leah Juliett is passionate about Cyber and Trans rights, a talented poet, and the current Miss Greater Rockville. I was so excited they were willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more!

So, let's see what happens when Leah Juliett visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Greater Rockville crown?

I was unbelievably surprised and overwhelmed that I'd been fortunate enough to earn the job of Miss Greater Rockville 2020. As an openly non-binary and queer person who does not fit the traditional mold of what society would deem a "pageant queen", I was incredibly gracious that the judges saw my character, embraced my difference, and acknowledged my passion for serving in this role. That's why my first inclination was to speak with the judges post-crowning and thank them for their time and generosity. It was an honor to hear their feedback and shake their hands. After speaking with the judges, I was embraced by my family and friends, whose pride and love was staggeringly beautiful.  I got a quick bite to eat at Rein's Deli (my favorite local spot with the best pickles) and headed home, as I had to be up early in the morning for work. I work for an LGBTQ tech organization- so I'm always incredibly busy, in the best way. 

What did you learn about yourself at the Miss Greater Rockville competition that will help you at Miss Connecticut?

Photo By CS Marchand

Many titleholders say that they've been dreaming of being Miss Connecticut since they were a little girl. I haven't had that experience. I never dreamed of being Miss Connecticut because I never saw myself reflected in the girls who won. They didn't look like me and they didn't identify like me. They, of course, were more than deserving, but because I didn't look or identify like them, I didn't think I was equally deserving of holding the same job. After competing in Miss Greater Rockville (my first pageant since I was 15), and winning the title, I learned that I am more than capable and deserving of being Miss Connecticut. I've learned that serving my community and amplifying my voice has always been my dream- so I suppose I've always dreamt of being Miss Connecticut all along. 

What has surprised you the most about your time as Miss Greater Rockville?

Photo by
Steve Smith Photography

I was crowned on March 1, which was only two weeks before quarantine began for the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to attend many in-person events due to the quarantine (although I had the honor of marching with the LGBTQ Contingent in the Stamford St. Patrick's Day Parade- which I loved!). I'm fortunate to have been able to take my work digitally and hold cyber community events and conversations within my state to keep us connected in the time that we're apart. I've been incredibly grateful to have immense communal support for this work. I can't wait to get back into my community once the quarantine has been lifted and everyone is safe and healthy. I've also been surprised and uplifted by the support and kindness I've received from people all over the state who embrace my identity and are proud that I am holding this job. 

You have a dual social impact initiative. What can you tell me about “Cyber Civil Rights for Americans Online”?

Photo by CS Marchand

I founded Cyber Civil Rights for Americans Online (CCR4AOL) as a community and education-based extension of my international organization, The March Against Revenge Porn. The March Against Revenge Porn is a global campaign fighting image abuse and sexual cyber-harassment through federal lobbying, organizing, victim support services, education, and media advocacy. When I was a teen pageant contestant, naked photos of me were posted on the internet without my consent. I struggled deeply with the reality of living as a victim of sexual harassment and abuse and have experienced mental illness and trauma as a result. I left pageants because I was deeply ashamed and felt I no longer deserved to represent my community. At nineteen, I began telling my story and serving as an advocate against sexual violence. Through Cyber Civil Rights for Americans Online, I utilize my platform and my job as Miss Greater Rockville to activate students and young people as advocates against cyber violence and image abuse, like what happened to me. I do this through education, advocacy, media campaigns, and speaking engagements. 

How does that play off your other SII: “SAFETY”?

Photo by CS Marchand

I was unable to choose one issue of concern to spend my year uplifting, so I've developed a dual social impact initiative that allows me to focus on multiple injustices. SAFETY stands for Security, Accessibility, Freedom, and Equity for Transgender Youth. As a non-binary person, trans advocacy is incredibly important to me. Research from the National Center for Transgender Equality  shows that transgender people are:

• Fired or denied a job
• Facing harassment and bullying at school
• Becoming homeless or live in extreme poverty
• Being evicted or denied housing or access to a shelter
• Being denied access to critical medical care
• Being incarcerated or targeted by law enforcement
• Facing abuse and violence

Trans people are more vulnerable than ever. Especially trans youth, trans people of color, trans people who are undocumented or mentally ill or immunocompromised or experience any intersectionality of vulnerability. The Trevor Project indicates that 1 in 3 trans youth attempt suicide- which is an astronomical number. If it were a cisgender person, we would say it's a public health crisis. Trans people are also disproportionately vulnerable to cyber abuse, which is why I think SAFETY works in tandem with CCR4AOL. Once the quarantine is over, I plan to visit schools across Connecticut discussing trans issues and uplifting the voices and stories of trans youth. Until then- you can find me doing so on social media and on my weekly video series Cyber Community Chat! 

What do you enjoy most about reciting poetry on stage?

There is no greater feeling than performing your own written work on stage. When I recite a poem that I've written, I bare my entire soul for the audience to witness. They are not only watching a performance, but they're also watching me heal as I reclaim a voice that was previously stolen from me. It's an incredible feeling of justice, freedom, and empowerment. 

If you could be a Disney character for a week, who would you choose? Why?

While I wouldn't be able to "be"  this character, because I believe that would be culturally appropriative, my favorite Disney character is Mulan. Mulan's story of dismembering the patriarchy and disassembling heteronormativity in order to help her father and save China makes her an iconic feminist powerhouse! :)

If you had an extra ticket to a baseball game, who would you bring with you? Why?

I would bring my Dad. My dad is my best friend- and he happens to be the only person I know who enjoys baseball! I'm incredibly grateful to have him in my life and it would be wonderful to spend time with him. If you're reading this, I love you dad!

Is there a feature or activity at a baseball game that you’d especially like to experience?

I'd love to throw a pitch at a baseball game in my home state or town. While I'm certainly not athletically-inclined, it would be an awesome experience to be trusted with starting the game. 

---

That would definitely be an amazing opportunity. Something I wish I could do as well.

As usual, I want to thank Leah for visiting and for sending along the wonderful pictures that accompany the interview. They make the post so much better.

As Leah continues their time as Miss Greater Rockville, I encourage you to check out their official Instagram and Facebook Pages. As well as their personal Instagram. Those are the best ways to make sure you don’t miss out on anything they’ll have going on. You should also be sure to check out their website. It has a lot of really great information.

I also want to wish Leah the best of luck when they compete for the Miss Connecticut title. It would be wonderful to have another Section 36 visitor wear that crown!

Thanks again Leah, and good luck!

Sylvana Gonzalez visits Section 36

Section 36 has a new visitor! Sylvana Gonzalez is a talented dancer, the current Miss Greater Rockville, and…well…a Yankees

Photo by Steve Smith Photography

fan. I was still very excited that she was willing to visit with us to discuss those topics, and a few more. I hope you enjoy what she had to say!

So, lets see what happens when Sylvana Gonzalez visits Section 36!

How did you celebrate winning the Miss Greater Rockville title?

It was a whirlwind of emotions coming back as a local titleholder, I celebrated by treating myself to my favorite wing spot in my home town. I then took the night to rest and gel into my new position and leaped into my plans for the year.

What part of the upcoming Miss Connecticut competition are you most nervous about?

Photo by Steve Smith Photography

I no longer get nervous about competing. I have taken advantage of the opportunities my title allows me, so I truly look forward to coming back and building off of my previous goals while working towards new ones. The competition is just a small snippet of a year’s worth of work for a titleholder.

Do you have a specific goal you’d like to accomplish during your time as Miss Greater Rockville?

I am an ambassador not only for Children’s Miracle Network Hospital’s, but for the 1Love Foundation. In support of both charities I am honored to work with during my year, I am coordinating the “Love Better” Gala to celebrate our fighters at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, and our silent (or public) survivors of Domestic Violence Awareness. I am putting a lot of energy into making this successful for both organizations, I am looking forward to doing so and representing Greater Rockville on the Miss Connecticut stage this June!

How did you select your platform, “Love Better”?

A loved one of mine became a recent survivor of domestic violence.

Photo by Steve Smith Photography

For a while, I was silent and unsure of ways to coach young women to find their better selves when I myself, was not whole undergoing the abusive conditions. It has been an important chapter of my life I am grateful to have learned from and now being free from the conditions with my loved on, I can move forward in my #LoveBetter Movement. The purpose is to teach men and woman of all ages to understand and accept the behaviors they are equally responsible for putting forth into their relationships as well as receiving. If we can understand the signs and pinpoint the toxic characteristics we ourselves may carry, we can all vow to #LoveBetter, to eliminate the silence in domestic violence.

As a talented dancer, what is your favorite part about performing on stage?

Photo by Steve Smith Photography

My talent is Latin-Jazz and what I love MOST about it, is the way it makes me feel. My late Grandmother Maria is my angel in Heaven as she was to me here on earth. Some of my favorite memories are of us dancing together, so selfishly this area of the competition brings a part of her back to me.

Which Marvel character would you say is most like you?

I would say I am probably most like Bruce Banner when he’s not in his green form (the smart, analytical, precautious doctor) but when I am hungry, I am full blown hulk.

As a Yankees fan, which Yankees player are you most excited about?

I have heard wonderful things about Aaron Judge but for this question I will give my favor to CC Sabathia for his farewell season

Have the Yankees improved themselves enough to catch the Red Sox in 2019?

Although the Red Sox are a popular rival, I certainly would hope

Photo by Steve Smith Photography

they have taken measures to better themselves to catch any team, not just the Sox. We have not had a World Series Championship since 2009, I am hoping any improvements show before we start the next decade.

Did you watch any of the 2018 World Series?

I regret to say I did not, usually if our team is not in the running, we as a family miss the whole occasion. Looking forward to catching it this year! *fingers crossed for my Yankees*

---

I certainly hope she get to watch a few World Series games this year...even if her Yankees aren't playing in them.

As always, I want to give huge thanks to Sylvana for doing this interview. I also really appreciate her providing so many wonderful pictures. Steve Smith did an amazing job with them. I also certainly want to wish her the best of luck as she competes for the Miss Connecticut crown this summer. It would be so much fun to have another former visitor wear that crown.

As Sylvana continues her time as Miss Greater Rockville, I encourage you to follow her on her official Miss Greater Rockville Facebook. It’ll definitely be worth your time! 

Thanks again Sylvana, and good luck!