The recent BoF VOICES 2024 event provided a powerful platform for discussions around courage and the significance of purpose in a world filled with division and conflicting narratives. Notable figures, such as former model and advocate Bethann Hardison, drag queen Nicky Doll, and social media influencers Nara and Lucky Blue Smith, shared their personal journeys of challenging societal norms and embracing their identities.
Mory Fontanez, a life coach and founder of Eight22 Group, set the tone for the final session with a profound statement: “We are living through a time that often feels insurmountably divided…the only way we can dispel this false illusion is by remembering our own light and radiating it with courage and compassion.” This call to action resonates strongly in an age where dissent and division often drown out voices of unity and hope.
Finding Your Truth
Nicky Doll, also known as Karl Sanchez, shared their gripping narrative of self-discovery. Growing up amidst traditional gender expectations in cultures across France and North Africa, Doll found liberation through drag. “Drag allowed me to unlock my full potential as a human being,” Sanchez revealed. The art form became a sanctuary where their femininity and masculinity could coexist harmoniously. This experience emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, redefining how identity is expressed beyond societal constraints.
Nara and Lucky Blue Smith also represent a shift in societal norms. As a couple who garnered immense online followings, they face the dual challenges of fame and public critique. Their TikTok content, featuring Nara cooking in high fashion, highlights a modern female lifestyle that some misinterpret as pushing traditional gender roles. “It’s the internet. You can’t believe everything you hear and see,” Lucky noted, signifying the need for resilience in the face of criticism. Their story illustrates how social media can be a double-edged sword, serving as both a platform for expression and a space for scrutiny.
Finding Your Power
Bethann Hardison, a pioneer in the fashion industry, discussed her lifelong mission to advocate against racism within the modeling realm. Reflecting on her early career, Hardison stated, “It’s not easy calling people out.” Yet, her humor and sharp critique have allowed her to remain a respected figure in an industry grappling with diversity and inclusion. At 82, she remains steadfast, proclaiming, “I’ll always remain an advocate of injustice.” This instance reinforces the idea that age does not diminish the power of advocacy; rather, it enhances it through lived experience and depth of understanding.
Utkarsh Saxena, co-founder of an AI platform for justice, shared insights from leading a movement for marriage equality in India. Although the initial push faced setbacks, Saxena’s perseverance highlights the importance of diverse representation in advocacy. He notes, “Advocacy has to be representative, diverse and human.” This approach remains vital for sustaining long-term societal change, even amidst obstacles that seem insurmountable.
Find Your Purpose
Photographer Giles Duley’s experience serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of creativity. After losing limbs in an explosion while on assignment in Afghanistan, Duley faced the abyss of despair. “This is where I learned the true power of creativity and imagination,” he explained. Even in confinement, he imagined endless projects, illustrating how creativity transcends physical limitations. His journey proves that creativity can serve as an essential lifeline in overcoming adversity, fostering resilience in the human spirit.
Ultimately, the discussions at BoF VOICES 2024 emphasize the need to reconnect with one’s purpose in a world that constantly challenges our identities and values. This gathering of eloquence, passion, and conviction reminds us that finding and wielding our power can lead to profound societal contributions.
In conclusion, as the narratives of change-makers like Nicky Doll, Hardison, and Saxena unfold, it becomes increasingly clear that embracing our truths, advocating for justice, and harnessing creativity is not just a personal journey but a collective one. These discussions serve to inspire individuals across all walks of life to challenge societal norms and illuminate their paths with purpose, courage, and unwavering clarity.
