Often, those who tread off the beaten path are misunderstood or mischaracterized and so we asked folks from the community to reflect and tell us about the times they’ve been misunderstood or mischaracterized.

Jessamyn Plotts

I’m often misunderstood as “chaotic” in my practice, though chaos is an aesthetic that I thoughtfully construct to explore ideas of structure, order, and fluidity in consciousness and experience. Read more>>

Bwoy Leven

From the moment of birth, a child is surrounded by perceptions about who they are and who they will become, shaped by the environment in which they are raised. Each person encounters their own unique set of challenges and misconceptions to overcome. Read more>>

Emma Bieniewicz

Being in a creative field, comparisons are easy to assign. When writing music, it’s a very personal thing. It can be really hard to feel like you’re finding yourself and your sound as an artist when social media is an open door to comparisons where countless others are doing what you’re trying to do – but with more eyes on them. Read more>>

Olena Mads

Absolutely, I’ve experienced my work being misunderstood and mischaracterized. As a content creator and influencer, I’ve faced over-sexualization and misidentification based on my content. Read more>>

Montez Suivant

I definitely feel misunderstood. However, I am to blame for that in certain areas. I’ve felt repressed in my identity. I’ve been made to feel ashamed of my sexuality and preferences. Read more>>

Rebecca Lynne Morley

Yes, I feel like I am misunderstood & mischaracterized all of the time. Anytime I am categorized is when I am misunderstood. I don’t belong into any category. Read more>>

David Steffan aka David Jame$

David Jame$ is making music that is driven by a desire to motivate, inspire, and tell his story. Born with mild cerebral palsy which limits the range of motion in his left arm and leg. Read more>>