Tracee Ellis Ross Oprah Singledom Interview
# Tracee Ellis Ross Reclaims Her Narrative: beyond the “Poster Child for Singledom”
Tracee Ellis Ross is redefining what it means to live a full and meaningful life, especially as a single Black woman. The beloved actress, known for her roles in *Girlfriends* and *black-ish*, is pushing back against societal expectations and embracing her journey with unapologetic joy and self-discovery.
## From “Poster Child for Singledom” to Embracing Her Own Skin
For years, Tracee Ellis Ross has been candid about her relationship status, even being famously labeled by Oprah Winfrey as the “poster child for singledom.” While she acknowledges the label, Ross is actively working to shift that perception, not just for herself, but for others.
“I don’t want to be that,” she explained, emphasizing her desire to be a positive example for those who prioritize their own needs and live life to the fullest. her aspiration is to be “the poster child for being an inhabitant in your own skin. For living in your own skin.”
This personal evolution is deeply connected to her experiences, including her solo travels. As she shared, taking her first solo trip was a pivotal moment, a conscious decision to “be in my life, to experience my life.”
## The Richness of a Life lived Authentically
At 52, Ross reflects on the profound impact of not having a conventional relationship or children on her personal growth. She believes these choices have allowed her to explore her own humanity in unusual ways.
“yes, I am a single black woman who does not have children, but not having a relationship – long, long relationships – not having children has allowed me to explore things of my own humanity,” she stated. “It has deposited me here at 52 in an extraordinary experience that is filled with joy, loneliness, grief, exuberance, delight, like, literally all of it. And I feel available to it.”
This openness to the full spectrum of human emotion, without the societal pressures often associated with partnership or motherhood, is a testament to her commitment to living authentically.
## Challenging Societal Norms and Finding Meaning
Ross’s earlier comments, made during a 2020 Vision Tour Visionaries interview, shed further light on her perspective. At the time, she told Oprah, “I am choicefully single. Happily,gloriously single.”
She also voiced a desire for more diverse examples of fulfilling lives,particularly for women.”I do wish there were more examples,” she said. “So many people have asked, ‘Have you ever thought about having children? My child gave my life meaning.’ I’m like, ‘Are you saying my life isn’t meaningful?'”
This sentiment highlights a critical conversation about how society frequently enough equates a woman’s worth and life’s meaning with her relationship status or whether she has children. Ross is actively challenging this narrative, proving that a life rich in experience, self-love, and personal fulfillment is not only possible but deeply rewarding.
## solo Adventures and a New Perspective
Her new show, *Solo Traveling With Tracee ellis Ross*, offers a glimpse into her adventurous spirit. The vlog-style footage captures the actress exploring diverse destinations like Morocco, France, and Mexico, showcasing her packing prowess, and finding joy in the everyday moments of travel, even during long layovers.
This series is more than just travelogue; it’s a visual representation of her commitment to experiencing life on her own terms and embracing the richness that comes from inhabiting one’s own skin fully.
Watch the full conversation with Oprah and a snippet of Ross’s new show to delve deeper into her inspiring journey.