Today we’d like to introduce you to Waya Kellie.
Hi Waya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to where I am today has been a deeply intentional process of embracing every facet of who I am. As an Afro-Indigenous, Two-Spirit transgender man, I didn’t always see my own lived experiences or heritage reflected in the mainstream media. I realized early on that if the stories bridging identity, sacred connection, and universal love weren’t being told, I wanted to be part of the force that brought them to light.I started stepping into creative spaces through modeling and acting, focusing on roles that allowed for layered, soulful performances—such as my work in Walk With Me and Transition To Love. Over time, my platform grew from local projects into a space where I could use my voice as a keynote speaker and advocate for LGBTQ+ visibility. Getting to where I am today took a lot of resilience, but it has been incredibly fulfilling to use art and storytelling as tools for healing, empowerment, and redefining modern masculinity.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—the journey has required a tremendous amount of grit. Choosing a path that bridges art, fitness, public advocacy, and sacred energy healing means there was no pre-existing blueprint for me to follow. One of my greatest struggles was finding the balance between being fiercely visible as an advocate while protecting my own peace and energetic boundaries.
Living openly and vulnerably in the public eye leaves you exposed to misconceptions and resistance from people who don’t understand your transition or your spiritual path. There were moments of financial uncertainty, creative blocks, and emotional exhaustion. But every obstacle forced me to practice exactly what I teach: grounding myself, aligning my energy, and remembering that true resilience isn’t about avoiding the storm, but knowing how to anchor yourself through it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I am a multi-faceted storyteller, creative guide, and spiritual mentor whose work lives at the intersection of art, identity, and wellness. I first gained widespread recognition and popularity through my work as a professional model. Breaking into the industry allowed me to secure major brand partnerships and high-profile campaigns that not only amplified my platform but also brought much-needed Afro-Indigenous and transgender visibility to the mainstream fashion and commercial worlds.Today, I’ve expanded on that foundation. As an actor and model, I specialize in bringing depth, vulnerability, and authentic representation to the screen. Parallel to my creative pursuits, I serve as a spiritual mentor and guide, helping individuals break through emotional blocks to align their mind and spirit, while drawing personal strength from my own journey as a fitness enthusiast. I am best known for my radical visibility as a trans man and my ability to bring my full, authentic self into modern spaces. Whether I am on a high-fashion set, speaking at an event, or mentoring a client, I bring the entirety of my lived experience.
What I am absolutely most proud of is founding The 2stige Collective. It is an organization born directly out of a need for safe sanctuary. The 2stige Collective is dedicated to ensuring that our transgender, intersex, gender-expansive, and indigenous community feels deeply seen, heard, and supported. We focus on building a network of mutual aid, mental wellness resources, and communal healing, giving our people a space to not just survive, but genuinely thrive and celebrate who they are.What sets me apart from others is that my work is not compartmentalized; my art is my activism, and my activism is my medicine. I don’t just show up to perform or instruct—I show up to shift the energy of a room. By weaving together my journey as an Afro-Indigenous trans man with the commercial leverage of my modeling background and a modern approach to spiritual wellness, I offer a unique perspective on healing and modern masculinity that empowers people to reclaim their own authentic power.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are several ways people can connect, collaborate, or support the work I’m doing, depending on which space they operate in:
Creative & Brand Collaborations: For casting directors, producers, and brands, I am always looking to collaborate on impactful film, television, modeling, and commercial campaigns. I love working with brands that value authentic Afro-Indigenous and transgender representation. Industry professionals can reach out regarding acting or modeling bookings directly via my professional channels. Or email itsjustwaya@gmail.com
Spiritual Mentorship: For individuals looking for personal alignment and growth, I offer one-on-one spiritual mentorship. If you are looking to break through emotional blocks, find clarity, or realign your mind and spirit, you can connect with me to schedule a guidance session.
Support The 2stige Collective: The absolute best way to support my community advocacy is by getting involved with The 2stige Collective. We are always looking for partners, resources, and allies who want to help us expand our network of mutual aid and wellness resources for trans, intersex, and gender-expansive individuals. Whether through direct donations, resource sharing, or spreading the word, your support helps us keep our community visible and sustained.
The best central hub to keep up with my latest projects, book a mentorship session, or connect with the collective is through my Main Instagram : @wayasofit
For the 2stige Collective: @2stigecollective
or my official website : Wayakellie.com
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Wayakellie.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wayasofit?igsh=b3Z0dXc5cGkxczl5&utm_source=qr
