Miss Trans Michigan Baddie Brooks Is Taking Over Pride Season

Michigan's own talented multi-hyphenate prepares for multiple Pride performances as she releases powerful new music

Baddie Brooks. Photo: Carlito Clips/@Carlitoclips

Published: May 5, 2025 | Last Updated: May 9, 2025

We’re past the point where we can say Baddie Brooks is having “a moment.” In truth, Brooks is having several moments, and she’s been having them for a while now — somehow, it’s been two years since she first headlined Ferndale Pride and she has yet to stop building on that momentum. It’s safe to say Brooks has not only arrived, she’s fully launched.

The Detroit-born musician and activist, who made history last summer as the first Black transgender woman from Detroit to serve as a Grand Marshal in the New York City Pride March, is looking ahead to a dizzying performance schedule in the latter half of 2025. Brooks, who graduated from Eastern Michigan University as a classically trained musician specializing in trumpet and euphonium performance, is preparing for appearances at multiple Pride festivals this summer, headlining Pride fests in Ferndale (May 31), Kalamazoo (June 6-7) and Ypsilanti (June 6), where she'll be performing with her live instrumental ensemble.

As Miss Trans Michigan 2025, Brooks will also compete in the Miss Trans USA pageant this November, using her growing platform to advocate for transgender rights and increased allyship within the LGBTQ+ community. We recently caught up with Brooks to discuss her upcoming projects and what drives her activism.

You have several Pride performances lined up this summer. What can audiences expect from your shows?

These performances will showcase both my original music and covers, including my new single. My performances are always high-energy and designed to get people dancing and moving. I'm bringing my trumpet and euphonium skills to the stage as well, so audiences will get to experience the full range of my musical abilities. It’s about energy, being together and feeling the moment together

Your new single, "Game Over," addresses dating as a Black trans woman. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the song?

"Game Over" addresses my experiences with dating as a Black trans woman and the challenges I've faced. The song calls out disrespectful treatment while also reclaiming my power and confidence. The accompanying music video will feature a video game theme and portray me in a confident and empowered role.

The song is really making a statement that Black trans women deserve to be loved and protected, and that we're not fetishes or toys to be picked up and played with whenever someone feels like it.

You're currently Miss Trans Michigan and will be competing in Miss Trans USA later this year. What does this opportunity mean to you?

It's an incredible opportunity to network with other transgender individuals, engage in advocacy and connect with the wider queer community on a national level. The Miss Trans USA competition takes place from November 12-16, and I'm already preparing for it. Being Miss Trans Michigan has given me a platform to advocate for our community, and competing nationally will only amplify that voice. It's about representation, showing that trans women can achieve their dreams and inspiring others to do the same.

Last year, you made history as the first Black transgender woman from Detroit to serve as a Grand Marshal in the NYC Pride March. How did that experience shape your advocacy work?

That experience was truly life-changing. Meeting giants in our community like Miss Major, Michelle Visage and Raquel Willis showed me what's possible when we use our platforms for good. I never imagined myself in this position when I was younger — I never even imagined coming out. Being recognized at that level has motivated me to work even harder for my community. It pushed me to continue advocating for protections for trans and queer youth, especially in today's political climate. That experience confirmed that I'm on the right path and that my voice matters.

You've emphasized the importance of allyship for the transgender community. How can allies better support trans individuals in today's political climate?

Allies need to be more vocal in their support, both online and offline. It's not enough to silently support — we need people to actively stand up against discrimination and bigotry. This means educating themselves, correcting misinformation when they hear it, supporting trans-owned businesses, attending events and using their platforms to amplify trans voices. In today's political climate where trans rights are being targeted, allies stepping up alongside us is more important than ever. We need people to fight with us, not just for us.