For those of you who may not have heard of Cole Escola, let me catch you up. Escola is an American actor, singer, and playwright who recently won a Tony Award for Lead Actor in a Play. Notably, they are the first non-binary person in history to win this award.
Also, I happen to think Escola can teach us a hell of a lot about what it means to live authentically without fear. Showing up at the Tony’s in a custom Wiederhoeft metallic corset gown, perfect feminine ringlets of hair and a prettily made up face above an undeniably masculine chest of hair, Escola defies all notions the world may hold about having to choose one gender over another.
Simply put, they dress and present themself to the world in precisely the way they want to. Without apology.
Personally, I find this incredibly inspiring.
Let me ask you this: If you could let go of all fear or worry of judgement or repercussion, would you dress any differently in the world? Would you act any differently? Would you do things any differently?
While my guess is that Cole Escola’s answer to this question is no, for most of us the honest truth may be yes, to at least some degree.
All I’m saying is that if Cole Escola can be wholly authentic in the world while reaching the level of success they have, I think we can each take a step or two towards living more authentically. The more you do so, the more you inspire others to do so, and on and on it goes.
So congrats, Cole, on the win, and thank you for showing us what fearless authenticity looks like. Bravo! 👏
