We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
Darilyn Buggage
For the most part who I present outwardly is my true self. I live my life the way that brings me the most joy. I’m not a ‘do it for the plot’ kind of person. I genuinely like all the things I immerse myself in so I feel like that helps the true version of me show. Read more>>
Itzel Montero
I try to be as authentic and as close to my real personality as I can. I pretend I’m talking to a close friend of mine when I do voiceovers for videos. Something that is different between my public and personal persona is that I’m more quiet and prefer to listen when I’m with friends but I am always taking pictures and videos of everything. Read more>>
Labeaud Colbert
I’d say yes and no. Yes, I put my true character forward. But how the public interprets me is often shaped by societal conditions that can make my personality seem threatening or controversial. Some people say I come across as harsh or rigid, but the truth is, I’m actually soft-hearted and non-judgmental. What people usually react to is my bluntness. Read more>>
Kylah Artz
Social media and online presence is what you want it to be… 🙂 I am not going to show myself in my car, over heated, sick, not wanting to show this 11th home in a row because I am tired and want to go home… Read more>>
Bei McKay
Yes and no. I represent unapologetic authenticity so I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t show up authentically for the world. I have been known to be an open book on a lot of subjects, but my thoughts and personality are multifaceted and very deep so there’s a lot I don’t share. Read more>>
Key Sharne
Yes. Who I am on social media is exactly who I am in real life. Honestly I might be even better in person. What you see is what you get. I’m soft, real, funny, faith-filled, and always going to show up as myself no matter the room. Read more>>
Terrance Barksdale
Is the public version of me the real me? Yeah… but only the part I allow you to see. I show up real, but I don’t show up all the way open. What I give you is me but it’s the me I built through pain, silence, and survival. The public version of me had to be sharpened, had to be strategic. Read more>>
Diogenes Negron-Forsythe
That’s a fantastic question. The guy offstage is the architect—he’s quiet, observant, maybe a little guarded. He’s building the cage. The guy *onstage* is the beast we’ve been building the cage for. That’s the raw, unfiltered id; the version of me that doesn’t overthink, that just *feels* and projects. So, which one is real? They both are. Read more>>
Sabrina Guerrero
She’s real….but she’s curated. Not fake, just filtered through intention. The public version of me is the part that shows up polished, purposeful, put together. She’s confident. Creative. Visionary. And she absolutely is me. But she’s not all of me. The realest parts? The messy middle. The late-night spirals. The quiet self-doubt. The sacred moments I don’t share because they’re still unfolding. Read more>>
TAE TAE
Yes, absolutely. I don’t know how to do anything else besides be the real me. Read more>>
David Brown
What you see is what you get. I won’t fake to be or claim things I haven’t lived and or done personally. Genuine, rugged, and honest is what I believe in. I will never change now for someone else’s sake to just be accepted. Love me or hate me at least I’m me. Read more>>
Malia Robbins
What you see is exactly who I am. I’ve never been one to fake it or water myself down. Whether I’m on stage, creating content, or leading a team, I show up as my full, authentic self. I believe in being real, being bold, and being rooted in purpose — on and off the screen. Read more>>
