Tracee Ellis Ross has a resumé of amazing roles, has won a Golden Globe for her role on hit series Black-ish, and inspires girls and women everywhere. Yet, it seems many can’t get over the fact that the 45-year-old hasn’t settled down.
During Glamour’s Women of the Year Summit, Ross took the stage and wowed with a speech that tackled her frustration, and the frustration of many women who have decided not to marry and have kids.
“It’s really interesting to be a woman and to get to 45 and not be married and not have kids,” Ross said. “Especially when you have just pushed out your fifth kid on TV. You start hearing crazy shit like: ‘Oh, you just haven’t found the right guy yet,’ ‘What are you going to DO?’ ‘Oh, you poor thing,’ ‘Why is someone like you still single,’ ‘Have you ever thought of having kids?’ ‘Why don’t you just have a kid on your own.’ It’s never ending and not helpful.”
Ross stated that growing up she had a number goals she wished to accomplish, including marriage, but also dreamed up finding fame in entertainment and using her platform for good. “From that dreaming, I have built an incredible life,” she added.
The actress said that one day, while writing in her journal, she wrote the words “My life is mine” and she’s lived by those words ever since.
“If my life is actually mine…then I have to really live it for myself. I have to put myself first and not be looking for permission to do so,” she said. “The Brave You gives you the courage to hold your own agency, your own choice, your own desire, your own longings, your own fear, your own grief, your own future. She’s just one aspect of your soul that helps you become your fully embodied and completely integrated real, true self.”
