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.

Brandon St.Jean

As a creative, sometimes you are put into a difficult spot where you are expected to either place yourself in a specific category of creativeness or be put in a category by your audience. When it comes to photography, a common question is “what kind of photographer are you?”. While this is a very valid question, it boxes in the artist that it’s asked to. Read more>>

Natalie Fideler

Being an artist is really weird. So many creators live in a cloud of self doubt that holds them back from accepting their goodness, but the mere act of making art starts with the assumption that someone in the world will be better off with your art in existence. When you create something, there is a vulnerable version of yourself immortalized in your creation. Read more>>

PastAura

My whole life I have been told you can’t do this or that. Peoples reasoning was either that I didn’t look the part or was not intelligent enough to accomplish something they perceived was not within their own reach. I knew if I tolerated this behavior and didn’t stand up for myself or the things I love like music and science that I would ultimately end up living a miserable life. Read more>>

Zay Poole

Growing up I’ve always been misunderstood or judged and to this day things have changed but, hasn’t I usually always hear how I do the most when it comes to things I do, or that I’m seen as a person I’m really not due to being misheard, judged or talked about negatively when I’m not around. Read more>>

Notta Genda

Being misunderstood is, unfortunately, a consistent part of being a drag king. I feel like I have to explain myself wherever I go. From the drive thru cashier at 1 am, to the comment section, to venue owners, and even some drag queens. Ironically, even some anti-drag legislation that’s been drafted doesn’t apply to performers like me. Part of what makes performing so rewarding is feeling seen and understood finally. Something clicks for people when I’m dressed like Bob Ross painting happy little trees on my stomach. Read more>>

Tommy Little

Have I ever been misunderstood? Misunderstood is an understatement, that’s why I’ve been building my brand “Misfits” around the concept of being amongst the masses of the misunderstood, voiceless, outcasts of society. My goal is to show the world it’s okay to be a little weird, and that misfits can shine too. Read more>>

AsyrRia Ejanna

In the world of modeling, where appearances often overshadow the personal struggles that lie beneath the surface, I faced a significant misunderstanding. Having developed chronic migraines as a result of a boating accident, my dedication and passion for my craft were unfairly questioned. Unfortunately, many people failed to comprehend the immense physical and emotional toll that migraines imposed. Read more>>

Naalah

Well, overall I’m an emotional being. My emotions have been both beneficial detrimental in my life so far. Of course, it’s allowed me to create the beautiful music I have out today, but at the same time it’s caused me to be misunderstood. Read more>>

Michelle Santagate

There are so many misconceptions about Astrology and Tarot. First that the two are one. They aren’t. And not everyone who is interested in one is interested in the other. You don’t have to be interested in both. And neither is religious. They are not exclusive to Witch Craft which was actually developed in the 20th century. Read more>>

Brandon Dudley

You know, it’s quite fascinating how most people struggle with the idea of stepping outside the conventional box. Throughout my life, I’ve been known as a person who dances to the beat of their own drum, always doing things their own way. Back in school, the football coaches did their utmost to push me onto the football field ( this was likely because I was 6″ 3 and 300 lbs, I was a football coach’s dream), but I stood my ground and opted for choir, despite their persistent efforts Read more>>

Devon Carr

Sometimes when you have a show and share a different opinion it’s annoying sometimes when they label you something that your not Read more>>

Lorayna Woodley

Most definitely. In the beginning of my Spiritual Journey, I used to give and share so much. I often found myself sacrificing my peace and happiness for others. When I noticed this pattern I pulled back from giving and went within to figure out why I was giving so much in the first place. There was a lot of speculation about why I stopped and took a break. Read more>>

James Walker

Being a rapper, comes with an image that most people look over. They think of gangs, violence, drugs, women and all of the negative side of things with Rap and Hip-Hop. Rap is such an inspiration. Not only to people around the world, but for children as well. Inspiring them off the beat, or even the lyrics can save or change someone’s life forever. Give them meaning. Give them hope. Give them a reason to live and push for their goals. People create this image of Rap and Hip-Hop but those same people, have never even dug into the genre. Read more>>

Comedian GAY-Z

My whole life I was the quiet kid until it was time to make people laugh then I would come out of my shell. I had a rough childhood; my response to my childhood was to be quiet and to listen to everything people would say to me because I did not trust people from my early experiences. Read more>>

Meg Hafdahl

It’s funny, I have had many people surprised that I’m a horror writer once they’ve met me. There’s this idea that people who like dark and spooky things are maybe difficult, unhappy people. Which is so untrue! Overall, people in the horror community are delightful. And I happen to be a pretty smiley, enthusiastic person which can throw off those who think horror equals horrible. Read more>>