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Be still my beating heart, it's Nina F*cking West, BABY!

(Seriously, please inch me!)

Nina West, the extraordinary drag performer and activist, joined me to share her deeply personal journey through the tumultuous landscape of identity and activism. Growing up in a conservative environment, Nina bravely recounts the struggle of masking her true self and the transformative power of theater and supportive allies. Her story is one of resilience, where personal hardships are met with an unwavering commitment to advocating for change and inclusion within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Navigating the polarizing shifts in society since 2015, Nina reflects on the normalization of divisive behaviors and the challenge of staying positive amidst a changing political landscape. With warmth, she shares her journey of self-discovery and acceptance, influenced by mentors like her choir director, Kathy Ringley, and the vibrant community at the Players Guild of Canton. These relationships played a crucial role in nurturing her true identity, offering vital support during pivotal moments of her life, ultimately shaping the remarkable persona of Nina West.

From college experiences to the creative joys of preparing for a drag performance, Nina highlights the power of resilience and the artistic process. We explore the impact of musical theater icons like Bette Midler and how they inspire confidence and authenticity. Embracing positivity and gratitude, Nina encourages listeners to stay engaged and hopeful, teasing the exciting opportunities on the horizon. Join us for this heartfelt and inspiring episode, as Nina West illuminates the strength found in embracing one's true self amidst life's challenges.

P.S. Buy your tickets to see Nina performing in "Into the Woods" to support the Butterfly Guild here:

https://my.cbusarts.com/overview/8134?queueittoken=e_cbusarts~q_410763f2-2de5-40b7-85bf-e1a56565ae8e~ts_1738423335~ce_true~rt_safetynet~h_0a769d312d9ad7fb78c5bfebed00a6821409bedeb386c89e7887df124a611478