Brezaja Hutcheson, a 20-year-old nonbinary VCU School of the Arts student, says Pose has inspired them to "live unapologetically."
"After watching each character's story unfold week after week, I can say that I identify with their struggles of living in a world where they are seen as 'other' and the obstacles that they must overcome to survive," they note. "However, watching them become stronger and more confident in who they are due to this adversity has inspired me to walk with confidence when I tell people how I identify and to let others know that I am valid. "
Hutcheson also says the series has inspired them to create more accessible media for the queer community — especially trans and gender nonconforming folks. "The happy as well as heart-wrenching storylines written for the show have helped me think about the queer community on a larger scale," Hutcheson says. "I know that there are many, many more stories that can and need to be told. Watching the cast portray the lives of our elders lets me know that we were always here, and we will continue to live and prosper as a community. Pose is written by us, for us, and it is time for the world to know that we are proud to live as our true selves."
