Tiffany "New York" Pollard: “I Resonate with the Non-Binary Community”

Tiffany “New York” Pollard, renowned for her trailblazing presence on reality television, has spoken candidly about her evolving understanding of her gender identity. In a recent interview with PinkNews, Pollard revealed, “I really do resonate with non-binary because I feel like we are so dual without even recognizing it. Because it takes two sexes for us to get here, so some days I may feel a lot more masculine and sometimes I’m super feminine, and that’s OK” . This affirmation underscores a growing visibility for non-binary identities in mainstream media and entertainment.

Pollard’s career began in the mid-2000s with breakout roles on VH1’s "Flavor of Love" and "I Love New York", where her unapologetic personality and quick wit made her a reality TV icon . Her latest project, the reality competition series "Slayers: Wheel of Fate", premieres this month and continues her legacy of bold, boundary-pushing entertainment .

Throughout her career, Pollard has maintained a strong connection with LGBTQ+ audiences. She credits this relationship to her own experiences of bullying and resilience, sharing, “I was really bullied a lot, especially coming up as a kid, and I feel like the gays understand that and accept it and see me in a lot of them, and vice versa” . Pollard’s sense of kinship with the LGBTQ+ community has only grown stronger over time, further solidified by her openness about her own queer identity .

Pollard’s reflections on her gender identity challenge binary notions of gender, instead embracing a more nuanced and personal understanding. She shared with PinkNews that her gender expression shifts, saying, “some days I may feel a lot more masculine and sometimes I’m super feminine, and that’s OK” .

Her journey resonates with many who experience gender fluidity, and her willingness to speak publicly about these feelings is significant in a media landscape where non-binary and gender non-conforming voices are often underrepresented . Pollard has previously discussed her so-called “male tendencies,” explaining, “I talk like a man, I think like a man, I have a lot of male tendencies. That started coming out probably in middle school. And why is that something that I have to suppress if I know it’s there? But can I throw on a heel and a wig and feel amazing? Yes. But there’s still another side to me” .

In 2023, Pollard publicly identified as queer, further deepening her connection to the LGBTQ+ community . She recalls her first same-sex kiss in junior high, describing it as an affirming and natural part of her journey: “The first time I ever really kissed a girl … it felt good, it felt right. It had to happen at some point” .

Pollard’s willingness to discuss her experiences publicly has made her a key figure for many within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond. Her candidness about both her struggles and triumphs offers visibility and validation to those questioning or exploring their own identities. She has expressed deep appreciation for her LGBTQ+ fanbase, stating, “I feel like if I didn’t have such a strong connection with the queer fanbase that I have, I don’t know if I would still be in the game as prevalently as I am. They keep the HBIC alive. I love to hear my sh*t recited” .

Her ongoing work in entertainment, including new ventures like *Slayers: Wheel of Fate*, continues to center diverse and queer narratives. The show’s premiere on OUTflix and OUTflix Proud via Freeview in the UK is expected to attract a broad audience, reflecting Pollard’s enduring appeal and her commitment to inclusive storytelling .

The visibility of non-binary and gender-fluid identities in popular culture remains crucial. Pollard’s statements come at a time when public understanding of gender diversity is expanding, yet many non-binary and gender non-conforming people continue to face misunderstanding and discrimination . High-profile figures like Pollard, who share their stories openly, play an essential role in challenging stigma and fostering acceptance.

Organizations such as GLAAD and Human Rights Campaign have emphasized the importance of authentic representation across media, noting that increased visibility can help break down stereotypes and create safer spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals . Pollard’s journey, and her ongoing connection to her queer fanbase, exemplify the positive impact that such representation can have, both for individuals and for the broader community.

Tiffany Pollard’s openness about her gender identity and queer experience is a testament to the power of authenticity in an industry—and a world—that is still learning to embrace the full spectrum of human diversity. Her story not only highlights the intersections of gender, sexuality, and fame, but also serves as a beacon for those navigating their own paths to self-acceptance.

As Pollard herself put it, “I’ve never been afraid to do anything I wanted to do. I’ve seen it all, I’ve been it all, and I’m good at it all. Real good at it all” . For many, that energy—unapologetic, resilient, and joyfully queer—remains the true heart of her legacy.