Cole Escola embraces his identity as a creative freak in New York City
- New York City serves as a haven for artists and creative individuals, fostering a sense of community and acceptance.
- Cole Escola identifies as a 'freak' after exploring his interests in shows that diverged from traditional childhood activities.
- The embrace of one's individuality in such an environment fuels the city's vibrant cultural and artistic landscape.
In the dynamic landscape of New York City, a collective of unique creative individuals thrive, each reshaping the cultural fabric. Among them, Cole Escola, an actor and a self-described 'freak', reveals his journey of self-acceptance. Growing up in a homophobic environment in New England during the 1990s, he found solace in the arts, favoring shows like 'Desperate Housewives' over conventional pastimes. His artistic pursuits are complemented by a rich history influenced by his family background, including his father's involvement with a notorious drug-distribution group. This history propelled him further into the realm of artistic expressiveness where being a 'freak' becomes a badge of honor rather than a source of shame. Reflecting on the importance of New York as a haven for artists, Escola articulates a sense of community among those who embrace individuality. He has established popular events like 'Mall Drag' in Brooklyn which showcases the vibrant and eclectic nature of performance art in the city. Furthermore, other creatives, like Matt Starr and Ann Liv Young, share similar sentiments about the city's open-mindedness and support for artistic expression. The general consensus among these artists highlights a legacy of New York as a sanctuary for those who aim to break social norms and convert their eccentricities into art. Their stories resonate with the understanding that New York City stands as a beacon for those labeled as 'freaks', encouraging them to adopt their differences as a source of identity and strength.