Zackery Torres, known to audiences for their captivating performances on Dance Moms and Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, has publicly announced their transition, marking a significant and inspiring step in their personal journey. The 22-year-old dancer, who uses they/them and she/her pronouns, shared the uplifting news in a TikTok video titled “Life Update,” resonating with fans and the LGBTQ+ community alike.
In the spirited TikTok announcement, Zackery enthusiastically declared, “I’m transitioning!” For those unfamiliar, they clarified, “That means I’m transgender if you didn’t know. My pronouns are they/she, which means that they or she are totally fine.” This open and joyful announcement was accompanied by Zackery’s promise to engage more with their followers on TikTok, signaling a new chapter of visibility and connection. The timing of Zackery’s announcement, just days before the start of Pride Month, adds another layer of significance, aligning their personal celebration with a broader movement of LGBTQ+ pride and awareness.
Zackery’s history with dance reality television began on Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, where they broke ground as the first male-born contestant on the show. This early exposure to the spotlight, however, also brought challenges as Zackery navigated the complexities of gender identity in the public eye. Years later, in an interview with the USC student newspaper The Daily Trojan in October 2020, Zackery reflected on the impact of Dance Moms on their journey of self-discovery. They recounted the pressures and expectations placed upon them as a dancer perceived as male, stating, “‘Oh, you’re too feminine, you need to dance like a man.’ Just having teachers tell you that on national television, all this stuff, it kind of really got to me.”
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Zackery’s experience highlights a critical point about inclusivity within the arts community. Despite the widespread perception of arts as accepting spaces, Zackery expressed a different reality, sharing, “Everyone always talks about how inclusive the arts communities are. But I’m just not really feeling it. I’m not seeing it on an everyday scale.” This candid reflection underscores the ongoing need for greater understanding and acceptance of gender diversity within dance and beyond.
Bruce McCormick, Zackery’s professor, offered heartfelt support and admiration for their transition, telling The Daily Trojan, “[Torres] embracing their gender identity has been beautiful to witness. They have allowed themself to be vulnerable, with faculty and fellow students, in order to push this conversation forward and educate everyone around them.” This support from educators and mentors plays a crucial role in empowering transgender individuals to embrace their authentic selves.
On Transgender Day of Remembrance in November 2020, Zackery articulated their commitment to advocacy in an impactful Instagram post. They stated that their decision to be an advocate stems from a desire “to empower the next generation like the ones before did for me.” This dedication to uplifting others within the transgender community speaks to Zackery’s compassionate and forward-thinking nature.
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Zackery further emphasized the continuous nature of allyship, writing, “Allyship is not a 9am-5pm work shift. It is a life practice.” Expressing gratitude for the support they have received, Zackery added, “I thank all of the people that have supported me through the years while I grew, and continue to grow, into who I am today. It’s that unwavering support that gets me up in the morning when I am feeling defeated, and more importantly, it’s what keeps me feeling empowered to advocate.” This powerful message resonates with the importance of consistent support and allyship in the transgender experience.
Celebrating their 22nd birthday in March, Zackery shared throwback photos, embracing their identity with pride. “This is (and always was) Zackery Lennon Torres (they/she), a transgender, non-binary person🏳️🌈 ,” they wrote on Instagram. “Thank you to everyone who has helped me feel loved and ready to be my full self at #22!” This birthday message encapsulates Zackery’s journey of self-acceptance and the invaluable role of love and support in that process. Zackery Torres’s courageous announcement and ongoing advocacy serve as an inspiration, promoting greater understanding and acceptance within the dance community and beyond.
