#carlos luis encinias THE FATHER FIGURE YOU ARE

[jameswilsonsupremacy]

tattoo inspired by How to Dance in Ohio, sorta!

three of my instructors were involved with the show (Jacob Yandura - composer, Carlos Encinias - Kurt/Rick/Hawkins, and Paul Canaan - co-producer) and I’ve worked with these three since 2019 through a theatre camp they help run!

a ‘second chance dance’ is commonly used to refer to an event that can be held in different community spaces for all individuals who felt like they did not go to their formal dances as their authentic selves.

this theatre camp was the first (and only, at the time) place where I could be called by my name & pronouns. where I could be my authentic self. they were the most supportive community that I could ever wish for.

they genuinely saved my life by showing me there is a world outside of close-minded small towns like the one I live in. a place where someone like me (a queer neurodivergent person of color) could be celebrated instead of shamed/harassed.

the musical itself is so beautiful and gorgeous and I 100% recommend listening to it!! I had tickets to see it but then it closed before my trip to nyc :( but it is so, so wonderful.

taken from the lyrics, “we all deserve a second chance; so welcome to the second chance dance!”, I was able to get each of their handwriting for one of the words.

when in need of community/support, they are who I think of. so grateful to have a beautiful tattoo dedicated to that and the amazing musical they were a part of!! HTDIO bringing actually autistic actors onto Broadway? fucking win. seeing such a gender diverse cast also has me <3333 HTDIO I love u