Ryan Drake

When I was 19, I left Mississippi because I knew there had to be more. I didn’t have it all figured out. Honestly, I didn’t even know dreams could be real. But I knew I wanted to live bigger. I was that kid watching music videos, trying choreography, imagining a life beyond what I saw around me. I just needed to start.

A defining moment was a trip to New York, where someone saw my potential and opened a door of opportunity. Brian Farina, you changed my life when you told me to quit that job and gave me a shot. I took the leap and that leap became my path. I’ll always be grateful for that faith.

What I’ve learned is that showing up as myself and making people feel seen, that’s my real success. I’m emotional, I’m caring, and I’ve realized that lifting others brings me joy and sometimes brings me to tears. That’s why I do what I do.

So this Pride, I celebrate the spaces that pushed me to think bigger and dream bigger, past the sky’s limit and the social noise, because the universe is truly limitless. The people, the conversations, they’ve shaped me. I’m still climbing, but now I know I’m exactly who I’m supposed to be. And that’s something worth sharing.

P.S.
No filter or retouching was used on these. RUN TELL THAT!!! 🤣🤣🤣

#happypride