Pride, Expression, and the Freedom to Be Ourselves
Photos by Shannel Resto
As Pride Month begins, I’ve been reflecting on what Pride has meant to me personally and what it continues to mean for our community.
For much of my life, I’ve been fortunate to call New York City home—a city where I discovered not only my artistic voice, but also the freedom to express myself authentically. Through dance, theater, performance, fashion, nightlife, and countless creative communities, I’ve been able to explore different sides of myself: different characters, costumes, identities, ideas, and ways of being. That freedom has never been something I take for granted.
As artists, dancers, and creators, we understand that self-expression is not frivolous—it is essential. It is how we tell our stories. It is how we connect. It is how we discover who we are.
Pride was never about fitting in. It was never about asking permission to exist. The LGBTQ+ movement was built by courageous individuals who risked everything so that future generations could live more openly, honestly, and freely. Their fight was not simply for tolerance. It was for visibility, dignity, equality, and the right to be ourselves on our own terms.
As a choreographer and artistic director, I’ve spent my career creating work that celebrates individuality, imagination, and the beauty of human difference. At Eryc Taylor Dance, we believe that every person has a unique story worth sharing. The stage becomes a place where people can show up fully as themselves—without apology, without fear, and without limitations.
While we’ve made tremendous progress, Pride reminds us that visibility still matters. Authenticity still matters. Community still matters.
Whether your expression comes through movement, fashion, drag, activism, art, music, love, or simply living your truth every day, your voice belongs here. Your story belongs here.
This month, I celebrate the artists, activists, dreamers, and trailblazers who came before us. I celebrate those who continue pushing boundaries today. And I celebrate every person who chooses courage over conformity and authenticity over fear.
At Eryc Taylor Dance, we believe creativity thrives when people are free to be exactly who they are.
Happy Pride.
With gratitude,
Eryc
