Her finding her truth and being vocal about it means a lot to me, because she comes from a similar place like I did.

She found a safe space in a church that offered her shelter. She didn't grew up in church, but she was lost, hurting and reached out for this Christian community and did found relief there, a meaning, some kind of purpose. She grew fast into that community and from what I gathered her community was a lot like my church regarding their beliefs and their language.

Imagine how hard it must have been to be judged by close friends for playing Alex. Imagine how terrifying it must have felt to realize that she and Alex weren't so different after all.

Her playing Alex was the first time ever in my life I felt represented on screen. Every scene of Alex coming out is so close to my heart, because it was my story, I saw myself in Alex and I felt understood in a way I have never felt before. And I know I'm not alone with that feeling.

I was so disappointed when I found an interview with Chyler where she tried so hard to navigate between belief and equality of love. Her response to her family and friends asking her how she could possibly play a woman that as intimate with another woman was: "because I'm a human being. And I'm not perfect and I'm flawed and you're flawed. How an I sit here knowing things that I've done in my own past and in my own life that I might not...you know I could be ashamed about." That honestly felt like a hit straight into my face, because sure she also said that she supports lgbtq+ and believes that everybody should love who they want to love, but the kind of language she used reminded me so so much of my own church and of conversion therapy and how you should hate the sin, but love the sinner.

You could tell she was really struggeling finding the right words and that she was also struggling on the inside. That was shortly after the Orlando shooting and she was questioning if all of those people really were evil and going straight down to hell. She seemed so uncomfortable in that interview explaining why she was ok with playing a gay character.

I really felt how she changed over the time, becoming more accepting of her role as an lgbtq+ advocate. And I remember wondering how on earth she could be able to understand so well what was going on inside of someone's mind while coming out. There are a few fears, a few feelings most of us share that often seem so strange and not understandable to cis-het people. So how did she know about those intimate and raw feelings? I know exactly how deep the roots of hate and disgust can reach down to your soul when you're struggling with your internalized homophobia. So many of us do and for me that's part of the reason why her portrait of Alex resonated so deeply with so many of us. Because she knew it, too and she felt it, too.

And that matters. It fucking matters, because this tension is something that is almost impossible to put into words. It's almost impossible to understand if you haven't experienced it. She did, she understands, she actually knows what she was and is talking about and I'm so glad that she found the courage to be true to herself and to share that with the world.

She's amazing. We all are.

Happy pride month to all of you!

Other than that, someone please hold the bucket for my tears. 

She had already kinda come out 2 years ago, but having another actual confirmation is so nice <3 

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THE SPIRIT OF RESILIENCE IN FULL COLOR: PRAISING THE FAYETTEVILLE WOODPECKERS “LOS GUERREROS DE FAYETTEVILLE” SPECIAL EDITION JERSEY

A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE, COMMUNITY, AND COURAGE

In the world of Minor League Baseball, few teams express their community connections and cultural pride quite like the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. With the release of their “Los Guerreros de Fayetteville” Special Edition Jersey, the franchise transcends the sport to deliver a heartfelt tribute to Hispanic heritage, unity, and the indomitable spirit of warriors. This isn’t just a uniform—it’s a wearable anthem of empowerment, meticulously crafted to honor tradition while igniting excitement in every corner of the ballpark.

More than a garment, this jersey represents the vibrancy, the struggle, and the soul of a people who have long been warriors in both name and essence. "Guerreros" means “warriors”, and this bold design does justice to every layer of that powerful word—from history to hustle, from cultural roots to modern-day resilience.

A MASTERPIECE IN MOTION: THE DESIGN SPEAKS VOLUMES

What immediately catches the eye is the brilliant blue base, adorned with indigenous-inspired geometric patterns that subtly echo ancient Latin American textiles. These repeating motifs give the jersey texture and narrative depth, creating a sense of time and legacy woven directly into the fabric. It's a jersey that feels ceremonial, as if each thread carries a story, a victory, or a promise.

The “Guerreros” script across the chest explodes with flair—sharp, dynamic, and shadowed to pop against the vibrant backdrop. Trimmed in black and white with a fiery red core, it’s visually arresting without being overpowering. Beneath the script lies an emblem as rich in symbolism as it is in artistry: a stylized, culturally-rooted warbird with feathers and iconography rendered in bold red, yellow, black, and turquoise. This powerful centerpiece fuses the team’s namesake—the Woodpecker—with Latin visual storytelling, creating a logo that soars above the rest.

CULTURAL INTEGRITY MEETS MODERN STREET AESTHETIC

This jersey walks the line beautifully between tradition and modernity. The azul patrón design (blue pattern) conjures images of woven artisan cloths passed down through generations, while the angular, contemporary typography of "Guerreros" screams modern streetwear energy. It’s an intersection of pride and performance—one that will resonate on and off the field.

Small touches—like the red piping along the button placket, or the clean symmetry of the shoulder seams—further elevate the craftsmanship. The sleeve cuffs trimmed in red offer a vibrant pop, framing the overall palette with authority. Meanwhile, the accompanying cap, split between a scarlet dome and sky-blue brim, completes the look with urban polish, featuring the warrior bird logo front and center like a badge of honor.

It’s worth noting that the back of the jersey is fully customizable, inviting fans to inscribe their own identity within this cultural celebration. With the bold “00” number field and a space for ANY NAME, this becomes not just a jersey, but a canvas for personal pride.

SYMBOLS OF STRENGTH: MORE THAN JUST A GAME

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers’ “Los Guerreros” jersey is a reminder that baseball is more than a sport—it’s a reflection of community, history, and heart. By leaning into Hispanic Heritage with authenticity, not tokenism, this jersey becomes a beacon of inclusion.

The symbolism goes deeper than color and logo. It’s about recognizing the “guerreros” in all of us—immigrants who crossed borders with dreams and courage, families who sacrificed for generations to thrive, athletes who fight through adversity, and fans who show up through every inning, rain or shine.

Every stitch in this jersey whispers stories of hard-fought victories, whether they’re on the field or in everyday life. It honors the resilience, beauty, and pride of Hispanic culture while celebrating the joyous collision of baseball and identity.

PERFORMANCE-READY, FAN-APPROVED

Beyond the aesthetics and symbolism, the jersey is also built to perform. With its lightweight poly-blend construction, it’s made for movement and comfort—whether you're sliding into second or dancing at a community festival. The breathable fabric and athletic cut ensure a fit that flatters all, while standing up to the heat of summer and the emotion of every inning.

This is not a jersey that fades into the background. It demands attention. It starts conversations. And most of all, it inspires pride.

CONCLUSION: WEARING YOUR HERITAGE WITH HONOR

The Fayetteville Woodpeckers “Los Guerreros de Fayetteville” Special Edition Jersey is everything a great jersey should be: meaningful, magnificent, and memorable. It succeeds not only as a uniform but as a cultural artifact, honoring the past while boldly stepping into the future.

In every detail—from the tribal motifs to the vibrant color palette to the fierce bird of prey—there is a message: we are warriors, we are proud, and we belong. This jersey isn’t just for the fans in the stands—it’s for the generations who made the game possible and the future who will wear it with pride.