Today we’d like to introduce you to Maliyah Heaven.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
As someone originally from the Inland Empire, growing up I always had the big aspirations of going to Los Angeles and making a name for myself as it was always known as the “city of dreams”!
I began my transition at the age of 15, inspired by trailblazing trans women and entertainers like Tandi and Erika Andrews. At a young age I didn’t know what it meant to be transgender or even how to transition as it was not socially acceptable, it was very taboo and frowned upon in the 90’s-20’s. Feeling isolated and always feeling as if “I was the only one”, I decided to live my life authentically, spread my magic, and advocate for my existence at a young age. At the age of 18 I started my medical transition with the guidance of my Trans Mother Karina Kendrick. She helped me truly discover who I am both inside and out filling the void I’ve long yearned answers to. When I was 24, I then met my Trans partner Roman and did what we never thought a trans person had the opportunity of doing which was tying the knot and getting married. My life experiences and challenges I have faced have shaped me into the person that I am today, someone who wants to give back so others wouldn’t experience the challenges I have. This is what started my activist leader journey that has ed me to discover this voice I have to advocate for my trans community. I’ve dedicated myself to be a visible beacon of hope and foster safe spaces for all because I know firsthand how it felt to feel alone, unwanted, and not fully accepted.
After 16 years into my transition and years of advocacy work, I was introduced to the International Court System (ICS) by my best friends Veronica Fierce, Empress XXVI of All Southern Nevada, and XRIS later becoming involved with our local chapter, the Imperial Court of Los Angeles/Hollywood. My commitments to advocacy and visibility further grew when I competed and won the title of Ms. LA Pride 24-25. This title was more than a crown, but a spark to the opportunity I have to continue conversations of existence for our community. Shortly after, I became the 55th Elected Empress of Los Angeles/Hollywood known as the “Angel of Essence” The Darling Maliyah Heaven. The Fashionista Latina Beauty and Grace. Serving Couture Glamour looks designed and made by a Los Angeles Latin local Buganvilia Thorns.
In the ICS is where I have found a safe space to learn, grow, and lead, one of the oldest and largest LGBTQ+ organizations in the world. I was inspired by the community work and advocacy from those who lead and paved the way such as the Queen Mother 1 of the Americas Nicole Murray Ramirez, our LA founder Queen Mother Karina Samala, and the founder of the international court system Jose Sarria or as we in the court system like to referred to her as Mama Jose! She left us with a powerful message that many lead with today. “United we stand, divided they catch us one by one”. Following in her footsteps and leading with hope, I was able to find chosen family as part of Valencia-Lucio Legacy along side my King Fathers Mario and Lorenzo Valencia-Lucio and Sibling Angel Valencia Lucio de Leon. I name this because as LGBTQ+ peoples we don’t always family structures that support us in the way we need. As we grow and develop our agency, we get to choose whom we welcome into our families, whom to love with, dream with, and co-create futures of possibilities for LGBTQ+ youth.
My life mission is to inspire trans youth, younger generations, honor the wisdom of our elders and those who came before us, and continue advocating for inclusion, empowerment, and visibility within the LGBTQ+ community. To me, inclusivity isn’t just a word; it’s a movement. It’s the pride we carry in being unapologetically ourselves, embracing diversity, and ensuring no one is left behind. Together, we’re shaping a future where all voices are heard, where love is louder than hate, and where unity is our strength.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When I think about the transgender experience and the journey I would say it has definitely not been a smooth road, but it has been a inspiring long journey to find acceptance and to finally have a voice of my own.
As a transgender youth, I experienced the disproportionate impact of being marginalized with little to no resources and having minimal possibility models or people that could relate to me or what I was feeling. The only way to express myself was to have the courage and just start living authentically. One day, I looked myself in the deep in mirror to were I could almost see my soul and told myself, “I’m gonna be a star one day because I have nothing else to loose!”. So, I started to grow out my hair, wear female clothing, make up and presenting as female full time. Finally at the age of 18 I was working at Forever 21 and a transgender friend of mine name Isabell looked at me and said “girl we need to get you on hormones” that is when I was introduced to my Trans Mother Karina Kendrick. Because of the systemic neglect and lack of accessible, affirming medical care for transgender people at the time, I was forced to begin my medical transition through the black market. Sadly, we are reversing too many protections that we had made to ensure this was not the case for your trans youth today.
During my early transition, the world was a scary place full of uncertainties and unknowns. But as the years passed by, I always remained visible and would educate those around me. Yes, it was difficult at times to be factored as “the only one” but I knew that my visibility would help shape the world for trans people. As I grew in my transition, I started to find other trans people, I started to notice I was not alone. Visibility, resources, and ally-ship become more present in my life. Transgender people were becoming visible everywhere. You would see transgender people walking at the store, in the media, on TV, public figures and even as celebrities. But sometimes there can be a such thing as too much of a good thing and people can’t always handle that. Now with our current day climate, we as transgender people face attacks on our community with executive orders that could potentially shift our direction of living and set us back in today’s society, but you know what, we will not stop fighting for our place in this world!
One piece of advice I would give as a person that lives in this transgender experience is that you will never stop being transgender. I spent my whole transitioning while searching for the next surgery, trying to look a certain way to pass or fill accepted or waiting for SRS to finally be a woman, but once I had my gender reassignment surgery, I realize that there was no end game and I will always be a transgender person. So I would say to another transgender individual to focus on the present and enjoy your transition instead of always struggling on what is next because you are evolving into the person you are now that will eventually lead to the person you will become.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
When I won Ms LA Pride 24-25 my goal was to be as visible as possible while utilizing my platform to foster my advocacy work here in Los Angeles, Hollywood and surrounding areas. Fundraising as much money as I can to give back to the community. Provide resources and help unite community engagement. As the 55th Elected Empress of LA/Hollywood “The Imperial Court of Los Angeles & Hollywood, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization” my mission is to advocate while striving for positive change and equality by uplifting others, breaking down barriers, and creating inclusive spaces. Together, let’s build a future where equality is a reality for all. Change is coming and I would love to have you all along for the ride.
I am know as
Her Most Imperial Majesty
The legendary fashionista icon, Latina beauty, and grace, glamorous sparkle, social media guru, never too serious; it’s all fun. Beacon of hope for the undervalued, as the stars align, the advocating Angel of Essence.
The 55th Elected
Angel Empress of Los Angeles & Hollywood
The Darling Maliyah Heaven
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
As a proud Latina woman of the Trans Experience, I’ve felt the weight of the attacks on our community most of my life, but I also know the strength and resilience that unites us. I remain deeply committed to protecting, supporting, and providing resources for us all.
To my trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming family and friends, I stand beside you, always. We will get through this together. No government action, no hateful rhetoric, can diminish your worth or invalidate your identity. You are seen, you are valued, and you are loved.
I promise to remain visible and vocal in this fight. Our journey for equality and justice doesn’t stop here, it grows stronger. We’ve existed long before those who seek to erase us, and we will continue to thrive long after they’re gone. Find comfort in our shared strength, and know that power lies within you. You are not alone, and together, we are unstoppable.
I am endlessly grateful for the powerful community we’ve built together. In a world that so often tries to erase us, our connection is resistance, our joy is radical, and our existence is nothing short of magic. You remind me every day of what’s possible when we come together, honoring our truths, celebrating our queerness, and creating spaces where everyone belongs.Inclusivity is not just a value, it’s a call to action. It’s the fierce pride of being unapologetically ourselves, the beauty of living in our full authenticity, and the unwavering commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy. Together, we are shaping a world where trans people are not just seen but celebrated, where love rises louder than hate, and where no one is left behind. This isn’t just my passion, it’s the purpose I carry in my body, in my breath, and in the magic of my trans existence every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iclah.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maliyahheaven
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaliyahHeaven
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maliyahespinoza
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@maliyahheaven
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@maliyahheaven
Image Credits
Life’s Moments by Ray Quenga
DEVYN GALINDO
