Pivotal parts of Miles Borrero’s (‘99) becoming transpired when he was a student in the University of Utah Department of Theatre’s Actor Training Program. Though, then Miles went by the name Mila — the one given to him at birth that came with the set of expectations of a girl growing up in Colombia during the Pablo Escobar years. Picture femininity, acquiescence, and a propensity for shame.

Much has changed since then, not least of which is Borrero himself, who now lives as the authentic trans-masc, non-binary, Latinx yoga teacher and author who’s releasing his new memoir, “Beautiful Monster: A Becoming” this month, published by Regalo Press.

And he’s returning to Salt Lake City on Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Dumke Auditorium of the Utah Museum of Fine Arts for a conversation with former classmate, dear friend, fellow actor, and beloved Assistant Professor Robert Scott Smith. In conversation, Borrero and Smith will explore the themes of his book from queerness to transness to death to love — the “heart-breaking, whole-heart-making ride.” He will then entertain questions from the audience before doing a book signing.

As he writes in the book, "Entering PAB, the Performing Arts Building [at the University of Utah], however, felt like a confirmation that I had landed exactly where I needed to be." And he is excited to return to his alma mater after the experience of unraveling the notions of who he was “supposed” to be to then put himself back “together with love.”

"Attending the Actor's Training Program at the University of Utah was simultaneously one of the greatest things that happened to me and one that changed my life for the better most significantly,” he said. “Not only did I make a slew of amazing, lifelong friends there, but it also set me on the path that was to lead me here — to this moment."

If you would like to be part of this moment, you’re invited. This event is open to the public and tickets are free and available online, though space is limited so early registration is encouraged.