Sylver describes a childhood growing up in the Bronx and a period of awakening that began after they were kicked out of their mother’s home at 15. Sylver, having at times struggled with depression and alcohol dependence, describes the impact of finding their trans family and discovering activism through organizations such as Sylvia’s Place, WRRQ, an artist collective, and an inter-generational theatre group. The arts and self-expression have also been central for Sylver, who connected with the New York ballroom and drag scenes early on and who now works with youth at a camp called Arts In the Woods.