​​Some walk a path laid out for them, lined with bright lights, and perfectly paved. Others have to carve their own path through deep woods, without knowing what lies ahead. I consider myself to be the latter and have faced the challenges of discrimination and physical abuse. I believe that I have become stronger because of it. I use my performance and visual art to speak out, stand up for the LGBT community, and use real emotion to connect with and inspire people. As an actor, musician, and visual artist, I strive to rise above adversity and inspire others who don't have a path laid out for them. On an un-level playing field, it can sometimes seem impossible to accomplish what others have. While my parents have never supported my dreams of performing, I have used the resources available at my school to improve my skills to a level that I am proud of. Though I am not enrolled in the theater program at my vocational high school, I was the lead in the musical during my Junior year. It is very important for my peers to realize that anyone can live their dreams and that it is never too late to start. I worked very hard to be on par with those who have had private lessons all of their lives. My persistence and commitment paid off when I got to perform for the first time since the Covid-19 outbreak in March of 2022. As a transgender gay man, I feel that LGBT representation is important in theater. Oftentimes, LGBT characters are played by actors who are not a part of the community. I am currently playing a gay character in a production of Spring awakening. I recently found out that the actor who played my role in the broadway version is gay and is happily married. I found this very inspiring because the entertainment industry can be very difficult to find success in for those who are not straight or cisgender. I hope to inspire those seeking to break into the industry in this same way. Though I have faced discrimination before, I am proud to portray such a beautiful love story on stage. Though it can be difficult to balance acting and school, I know it will pay off when I get to perform. I often use real parts of myself when playing a character. For example, in a community theater production of Man of La Mancha, there was a scene where I was dragged off to my death by the Spanish Inquisition. People are often shocked to find out that was my favorite scene in the show! However, as someone who has been diagnosed with PTSD, it was real for me. I conjured painful memories to make the scene of my death authentic. It was not an act, it was a raw portrayal of vulnerability and because of that, it was beautiful. In that scene, I got to use my past to my own advantage, taking control of what was once out of my hands and creating an experience that I hope the audience won't soon forget. While the winding path of life can be treacherous, I feel that art can help those who are facing adversity by illuminating important issues and letting people know that they are not alone. The portrayal of LGBT characters in theater is one such issue I am personally working to resolve. I found my path by creating it, and I want the world to know that I am stepping forward and walking toward my destiny: one step at a time.

I had done dance for musicals in the past and always felt that I was naturally bad at it. However, after taking a Jazz class, I feel way more confident and love expressing myself through dance. I enjoy contemporary and basic jazz dance. I love to incorporate fusions of different dance genres. I really love the work of Bob Fosse and aspire to change dance like he did.