Juniper Gates is a fan favorite everywhere she goes. She brings her own sense of toughness mixed with rainbows and sunshine. Juniper started her wrestling career during the pandemic, so she has only been wrestling in front of live crowds for a short amount of time. However, she has the energy and personality that lets her connect with audiences right away.
Do not let her smile and unicorn horn full you, once the bell rings she is as tough as anyone. Juniper has already shared the ring with such stars of the Midwest independent wrestling scene like Randi West, The Carver and Thunderkitty.
Being a trans woman in professional wrestling cannot be an easy task, but Juniper continuously works hard and is impressive in every opportunity that she has been given.
I got to ask some questions to Miss Big Kick Energy, the Vaperwave Vixen, Juniper Gates about getting into wrestling, her career so far, becoming a glass artist, and what is next for her.
What made you get into wrestling and how did you decide that you actually wanted to pursue it?
I always wanted to wrestle but prioritized other obligations. I realized that we have a limited amount of time our bodies will put up with the physicality and decided I was going to do it.
Can you tell us a little about your training and about your first match. Did you have any nerves or anxiety and how did you combat that?
I really have Schwartzy and Anthony Lee to thank for where I’m at. My first match was in a Rumble at the very first Flophouse event. I was definitely nervous; not only was I performing in front of a crowd, but I didn’t know how I’d be received as a transwoman. As for combating the nervousness; action conquers fear. I definitely still get nervous but it’s definitely much more manageable.
What have been the biggest obstacles being a trans wrestler in the Midwest. Also, on the flip side, what have been your best experiences?
I realize that there will be places I will simply be overlooked by because I’m trans. That said, there have been a number of places that have given me opportunities because they were looking to diversify their roster. Honestly, most of my experiences have been positive but the 3 promotions I feel have promoted and showcased me the best are Flophouse (Indianapolis), XVW (Dayton, OH), and IWE (Houghton Lake, MI)
You teamed up with Mickie Knuckles early in your career. What was it like to team with such a legend when you were just starting?
That was very short lived. We were in a tag team gauntlet match and I was very excited but also very inexperienced. I took the brunt of the offense from Josh Crane and Dale Patricks. When I was pinned, she clotheslined me. She has since given me a lot of advice and I appreciate her dearly. I just know to stay out of her way!
You have worked quite a few Pride shows, where the crowd may not be your typical wrestling fans. Do you change your style at all for those shows?
Overall I try to engage with the crowd more. Also, I find that using higher impact moves instead of technical wrestling, tends to be more captivating.
Your social media says that you are a glass artist. How did you get into that and how long have you been doing it?
Big shout out to Glass Art Kalamazoo. When I first came out, I wanted to volunteer to get out of the house. I reached out as they were looking for volunteers and they were ecstatic to have me out. As I volunteer, I learned about this program called Journey Beads and took the required class. After learning how to use the torches and make beads, I was able to use this skill as a way to volunteer my time!
Is there any advice you would give young trans people that are thinking about getting into wrestling?
Find credible people who support you, learn from them, and go for it! <3
Where will we be able to see Juniper in 2023 and do you have any goals set for next year?
Anywhere I can get to! I will definitely be back at Flophouse, XVW, and hopefully IWE. Check out my social media accounts at https://linktr.ee/vaporwavevixen. I love to promote any show I’m wrestling on!