Podcast Summary: Noche de Pendejadas with Alannized – Episode: "Riri Realness Talks All: Trans, Facial Feminization Surgery, Dating, Dancing, CHISME & MORE!"
Introduction In this compelling episode of Noche de Pendejadas with Alannized, host Alannized welcomes Riri Realness, a 22-year-old trans woman from the Bay Area, California. Riri shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery, transitioning, and her flourishing dance career. The conversation delves deep into personal struggles, cultural challenges, and triumphs, offering a heartfelt and authentic dialogue for listeners.
Early Life and Upbringing Riri begins by recounting her childhood, marked by her parents' insistence on engaging in traditionally male-dominated sports. Despite excelling in football, basketball, and baseball, she found herself miserable until her mother introduced her to dance. This transition from sports to dance was pivotal, igniting her passion and providing an outlet where she could express her true self.
Notable Quote:
Riri Realness [07:58]: "Riri growing up was very athletic... Until I found my love for dance, which was a lifesaver."
Cultural Heritage and Multicultural Challenges Growing up in a multicultural household with a Salvadoran, Guatemalan, Mexican, Native American father and a Filipina, Chinese, Spanish mother, Riri navigated the complexities of embracing multiple cultures. She expresses gratitude for her diverse heritage, emphasizing the importance of understanding and representing all facets of her identity.
Notable Quote:
Riri Realness [13:42]: "It makes me so appreciative now being an adult, just learning about my family ancestry and seeing how much my family has gone through."
Coming Out as Gay and Trans Riri shares the emotional journey of coming out first as gay and subsequently as trans. Initially fearing her parents' reactions, she found a more accepting relationship with her mother, while her father struggled but eventually began to accept her identity. The COVID-19 lockdown period intensified these familial dynamics, highlighting the challenges of finding acceptance.
Notable Quote:
Riri Realness [21:22]: "It was definitely a disagreement over the phone, but thankfully my dad and I still have a good relationship."
Transitioning Journey: Surgeries and Mental Health Riri discusses her decision to undergo breast augmentation and facial feminization surgery (FFS), aiming for a natural look that resonates with her authentic self. She details the surgical process, recovery challenges, including an allergic reaction to medication, and the emotional rollercoaster of her transition. Emphasizing the importance of mental health, Riri advocates for prioritizing well-being during such transformative times.
Notable Quotes:
Riri Realness [72:43]: "FFS is the procedure of enhancing and adjusting features to your face... I wanted to stay as close to natural as possible."
Riri Realness [56:48]: "Some emotional lows definitely has to be, which is not talked about a lot in the trans community. It's just the mental health aspect."
Facing Discrimination and Ensuring Safety Riri recounts instances of transphobia, including a distressing experience at a New York spa where she was incorrectly assigned to the men's bathroom. These experiences underscore the ongoing challenges trans individuals face in public spaces, emphasizing the need for greater acceptance and understanding.
Notable Quote:
Riri Realness [62:13]: "Do you see me like, I'm human in front of you? I'm telling you, that's not the bathroom I want to go in."
Dance Career and Social Media Influence Riri elaborates on her vibrant dance career, highlighting the formation of her dance group and their strategic use of social media to gain exposure. A breakthrough moment occurred in 2019 when a viral TikTok dance video catapulted her and her team into the spotlight, leading to opportunities such as touring with artists like Coi Leray and appearing in music videos for Daddy Yankee.
Notable Quote:
Riri Realness [94:39]: "When you truly believe in yourself and your people around you, so many good things can happen."
Teaching and Choreography Beyond performing, Riri is passionate about teaching dance. She conducts weekly classes in Los Angeles, covering styles like hip-hop, jazz, funk, and reggaeton. Her transition into choreography stems from her extensive experience and desire to mentor aspiring dancers, fostering creativity and resilience within the community.
Notable Quote:
Riri Realness [104:24]: "Choreograph. Put your record your work, see your progress, and just put stuff out there until it sticks."
Advice for Listeners Towards the end of the episode, Riri offers heartfelt advice to those grappling with their identity or fearing to come out. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, self-love, and ignoring external negativity. Her message is one of empowerment, urging listeners to embrace their true selves and pursue their passions relentlessly.
Notable Quote:
Riri Realness [89:20]: "Just authentically be yourself always and forever. There's nothing more beautiful in this life than to just truly be who you are."
Future Aspirations Looking ahead, Riri envisions expanding her dance and teaching endeavors globally. She aims to establish a comprehensive online presence with classes and tutorials, continue touring, and possibly choreograph major events like the Super Bowl or Grammy Awards. Her goals reflect a commitment to personal growth and uplifting the queer community through her talents.
Notable Quote:
Riri Realness [107:51]: "Next five years I see myself continuing to travel and teach across the world... choreographing the Super Bowl, choreographing the Grammys."
Conclusion This episode offers an intimate glimpse into Riri Realness's life, highlighting her resilience, passion for dance, and commitment to living authentically. Alannized facilitates a space for Riri to share her story, providing inspiration and hope to listeners navigating their own journeys. Riri's candid revelations and empowering advice underscore the podcast's mission to deliver genuine and meaningful conversations.
Connect with Riri Realness
- Instagram, Twitter, TikTok: @RiriRealness
- Dance Classes in LA: Playground Studios on Melrose, 88 Studios in North Hollywood
This summary captures the essence of the episode, focusing on Riri Realness's personal and professional experiences while omitting promotional segments and advertisements to maintain the integrity of the content.