Carried to shore on the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean 27 years ago, Permaid — the Persian Mermaid — is fast becoming a cultural icon both above and below the shoreline. Despite her immediate physical differences, Permaid is no fish out of water. With the help of her two closest human friends Nicolette Mishkan and Aeschleah DeMartino, who have stuck by her from the beginning, Permaid has overcome difference in order to live life amphibiously and to the fullest. She is emblematic of a progressive society unconcerned with trivial differences.
Chatting exclusively with tn2, Permaid opens up about the trials and tribulations of growing up sheathed in black latex, self acceptance, Tinder, her skincare regime, and simultaneously being a social justice warrior and typically carefree LA girl.
On her past:
My parents are originally from Iran but they found me washed ashore in Malibu, California. They adopted me and took me into their lovely home in Brentwood, California. Growing up, I’ve repeatedly tried to find my birth parents. You know, so I could understand myself and the logistics of what’s going on with me. It’s complicated. The anatomy of humans is pretty straight-forward. My Mom sat my siblings down for the “Birds and the Bees” talk, but I got the altered “Tides of the Seas” version. Although, there were a lot of holes in the story because my parents themselves don’t quite understand. Unfortunately, there is no semi-aquatic mammal section in ancestry.com (I’ve been emailing those prejudiced, pieces of shit for years). I hear there are others out there like me, but I have yet to meet them in person. It seems like my kind has been driven onto land because of years of gradual (or maybe sudden?) pollution in the ocean.
“My Mom sat my siblings down for the ‘Birds and the Bees’ talk, but I got the altered ‘Tides of the Seas’ version.”
On growing up:
It was difficult growing up as a child because I didn’t know how to explain to my teacher what was going on with me. Like, that I “inked”, or that I frequently needed to take breaks to hydrate and be in motion (preferably in large bodies of water). The swim coach eventually roped off a designated lane for me in the pool to use when needed. The kids used to poke fun at me and call it the Spermaid lane. I know now that most kids went through prepubescent ridicule, but that really made me feel like a freak. I was/am so different than you; my oily complexion, the sound of my voice, lack of human genitalia, inability to stomach a field trip to Sea World without feeling rage, etc.
On learning to accept difference:
I got over the superficial differences eventually. But there are logistical differences of my anatomy that inhibit some regular activities. Like, walking, running, wearing shoes, or pants… or underwear. I could use a wheelchair or drive a car with those specialized hand controls, but I think the jokes growing up left a scar. My friends joke and say that I’m really just a diva because I make them drive and carry me around. And maybe it’s true. LOL.
On living in image obsessed LA:
I take fish oil supplements and they work wonders for my skin. I’ve been trying to find a vegan alternative… Because WHO KNOWS what’s in those things, or the quality of fish you’re getting, or what they did to farm them? For all I know, I could be using products farmed from the remains of my kind! Next thing you know, there’s an epidemic of mad-permaid disease. But yeah, the vegan stuff isn’t as effective. I think my system responds best to oceanic supplements. I also enjoy a nice seaweed body wrap, going to the beach with my friends, and practicing yoga. I’m a total LA girl.
“I take fish oil supplements and they work wonders for my skin. I’ve been trying to find a vegan alternative… Because WHO KNOWS what’s in those things, or the quality of fish you’re getting, or what they did to farm them?”
On sun protection:
My black skin is great in terms of preventing sunburns. I get very hot in direct sunlight so I try to stay near bodies of water during the summer and always have some water on hand. I like to use it as an excuse to go to more pool parties. I occasionally pick up some scuba shifts when my friends at Ocean Adventures in Venice Beach are short-handed. It’s my absolute favorite job because I get to be in the water and hang out with people all day. Not to mention, visit my friends in the Pacific AND get paid!
On staying in and going out:
During quiet evenings, I enjoy painting, reading, and researching human and animal rights online. Oh, and watching re-runs of the X-Files. On a weekend, I love a loud, dark dance party with deep bass — take me to a goth techno rave and I’ll flap around. I’ve calmed down quite a bit over the years, but when I party, shit gets turnt UP.
On the prospect of a modelling career:
Growing up, I shied away from modelling due to my differences. I have a hard time with facial gestures, so I never had very much self-confidence. I am an artist, so my lovers and circle of friends are mostly creatives as well. We would always pose for each other in art school. Over the last few months, I’ve been working on a project with my two best friends, Nicolette and Aeschleah. We’ve always been inspired by one another and made work together, but this is the first time we have a clear, cohesive concept. We’re dabbling in politics and conveying a message while telling my story. We never expected this much positive feedback, so it’s been really fun. Also they carry me around everywhere, which means I get to go out all the time.
On dabbling in politics:
I think the beauty of politics is that everyone has room to bring their own personal interpretation. In the end I represent what your mind allows, that is to say that most people project their own meaning onto me. Am I sweet? Sexy? Vulgar? Dark? Funny? It depends on how you define those things. I hope to stand for believing in yourself, accepting your “flaws”, and perhaps ultimately, self love.
Standing up and fighting against the cruelty to Sea World mammals is an issue that you might forget about the next day. For me, it’s a hate crime. It strikes a cord with me because that could easily be me in there. I feel I have a duty to fulfill for them because I can be their voice.
On her inspirations and role models:
My friends inspire me. Someone once said to me: “You surround yourself with those that have something you lack.” My friends are all so smart, creative and beautiful. They are my teachers, my mentors, my muses. It’s symbiosis in the most evolving form; we feed off of each other’s talents. At the end of the day, I want to impress my friends. Nothing is worse than a lukewarm response to the seashell chandelier you made for one of them. I am also a big fan of Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim [of Tim & Eric, an American comedy show]. It takes a high caliber of intelligence to understand their humor. So, if you don’t like them, then you’re probably stupid.
On people appropriating her image:
It means that people either want to make fun of me or they want to be me. Even if it’s only for a few moments (I hear the suit is really uncomfortable for humans). My father always says that any publicity is good publicity. So, I guess it’s flattering. And I’d be a hypocrite if I said that I don’t own a mask. I mean, I’m dressing as Ariel for Halloween this year.
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On Tinder:
After I caught my boyfriend, Elliot, cheating on me I was using Tinder to fill a void. I was open to try anything (and I did!). It didn’t help that I matched with almost everyone. Surprisingly, people find me sexy. But eventually, the quick fixes started to bore me. I’d rather spend my time with my friends or alone than with someone who doesn’t deserve my attention. I recently went on a date with this guy Adam who, during the entire date, wouldn’t make eye contact with me and couldn’t stop scanning the crowd or checking his phone. He was hot, but I don’t have time for someone who lacks basic social skills.
On her greatest achievement:
It hasn’t happened just yet. But it will be to aid the destruction of Sea World once and for all.
On her driving ambition:
Sea above.
On her number 1 life goal:
Sea above.
Follow Permaid on Instagram @PERMAIDPERMAID, or check her out online at permaidpermaid.com.