Naya and I fell into stride with such ease, she was my first friend and ally on our show. In the pilot, our characters came and went with such swiftness. Our enthusiasm brimmed with all of the unknown. We tried to grasp what the other cast members must be feeling as we were working in such separate manners. We dared to dream. What if this show worked? Wouldn’t that be something? Something was brimming, it was palpable. And thank god it worked. Naya’s magnetic talent was going to be unleashed, we just didn’t know it yet.
I’ve been revisiting Naya’s performances on our show and it has brought me great joy. To work with her was a gift. There was a great deal to absorb – her work ethic, her fearlessness, her talent – supreme. Naya had a laugh that would envelop you and hold you captive. She was mesmerizing. That twinkle in her eye, her luminous smile. Naya lead with truth, humor, wit. I loved her for all of these reasons.
I loved her sense of curiosity and wanderlust. I was lucky enough to be her travel partner for some of my most favorite adventures. As I write this, I’m grinning with swelling memories of a spontenaous 36 hour excursion – one might even say diversion – to Paris. With Naya, everything was possible and would often simply unfold before us, almost magically.
On this particular jaunt, within ten minutes of checking into our hotel, we found ourselves strolling the halls of L’École des Beaux-Arts, sipping wine from paper cups with students showcasing their latest work. It was fantastic. We were united in our commitment to discovery. And there was always a list of cleverly curated ideas in Naya’s back pocket, should we need it.
I cannot make sense of this tremendous loss. I will hold onto her and these memories for the rest of time, alongside our Glee family. Please hold space for her, her family, her beautiful boy.
In absolute, loving memory.
Another favorite of mine 🤍
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While a quarantine Birthday is strange, I’m thankful to be safe, sound & showered with love from afar. ⠀
This photo was taken by Liza – or Kelly! – minutes before midnight in Paris, at the dawn of this new year, a night I will cherish always. Now things have changed, immensely. I would truly be fine to never see another balloon. Of course, I do miss the close proximity to other humans, moving to the music, a sea of people lost in the rhythm, feeling free. I know I’m not alone. ⠀
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Sending love & light to you & yours wherever you are. Thank you for all of the Birthday wishes. Feeling grateful for another year of discovery. X
When Dianna met Molly all seemed right & everything was possible.
Happy Birthday magnificent friend. Looking forward to more regularly scheduled adventures. Re-enactments. My girl. 💕 American Two Shot
Figured I could go for a midnight quarantine stroll down Bat Mitzvah memory lane. Chag Sameach ✌🏼
Wish I could meet you at the theatre tonight. Then make our way downtown. There’d be music, dancing – all the things we love to do.
Happy Birthday Mega 💕
Happier when I’m with you. X
Something about that salmon hued ceiling.
Milan, December 2019
Honoring & celebrating all the members of the LGBTQ community who have stood up for equality + liberation, such as the brilliant Marsha P. Johnson.
Shine your light. Spread the love. HAPPY PRIDE 🌈 @mpjinstitute
First Poster ✍🏼
There are times like these where it feels impossible to know all the correct things to say, yet even more impossible to say nothing. I’ll do my best.
George Floyd did not deserve to die. In the past, I’m shied away from extreme videos because of how greatly it disturbs and pains me. I knew it was time to put those feelings aside. That ten minute video was horrific. I cannot scrub it from my mind. George was begging for breath. Those officers continued. He lost consciousness. Bystanders begged for help. George’s pulse could not be found. Through it all. They continued.
I’ve been listening to George’s family, friends and employer’s accounts of the kind man that he was. A man that loved people, loved to dance. That George had found a new life in Minneapolis, that it had come to feel like home. I look at photos of him and his daughter. This one above, shared by his friend, “Twin” Stephen Jackson. I wanted to know more about George, hold him in my heart.
Videos are exposing unconscionable, hateful, racist crimes against humanity. They are happening, whether cameras are there to record them or not. There are deeply rooted, systemic issues at play. There is work to do.
People are in pain. They are asking to be heard, for change. I don’t want to succumb to the thinking that nothing can or will change. I want to believe that progress can be made. I am inspired by each and every person that is raising their voice, committing to solidarity, showing up, donating, asking for more than this. Not just in our country but worldwide.
I will continue to listen, read, donate, make calls, sign. I pledge to do work to deepen my understanding, be an ally.
This must be a continued effort.
Sending love. Some organizations that I’m following + supporting + donating to here:
@blackvisionscollective @mnfreedomfund
@bailproject @naacp @antiracismctr @campaignzero
Entranced by this photo, these dancers, company. @dancetheatreofharlem
She’s always been in my corner. Thankful to you & for you, my lovely one.
FUNNY BUNNY 🥚
Breonna should be turning 27 today. She was an award winning emergency medical technician and first responder, dutifully working to protect her city.
I look at pictures of her glowing face, her kind smile. I wonder what should would have been doing tonight to celebrate. I say her name. I ask for justice. Please join me in signing the petition – link in bio – #SAYHERNAME #HAPPYBIRTHDAYBREONNA
ADR in the time of Corona 🎭
Due to present circumstances, we missed coming together for the annual @GirlsClubNY gala, an important night of fundraising that contributes to the work and health of this incredible organization. As you can imagine, COVID-19 has put the well-being and safety of their members at risk — many who have lost their safe spaces and have been disproportionately affected. The Girls Club is a parallel family, a lifeline, a place where girls grow physically, mentally and emotionally. Support for the club is more valuable now than ever before. If you have the means, I’d love you to consider making a donation.
Do you want to #JointheGirlsClub alongside me? For each $10 donation (as many as you’d like) you will be entered to win a personalized song and message from me and a surprise musical guest. To enter, tap the clickable link in my bio ☝🏼
There’s been much to celebrate in camp SHIVA BABY. Massive congratulations to our incredible, fearless leader @emmmaseligman & this badass group of talented humans. I love this film, I love this festival. Thrilled to be included in it all. Thank you @tiff_net – thank you @cameronpbailey !! @shivababymovie
Elijah McClain 🎻 🤍 @justiceforelijahmcclain
KERRY JAMES MARSHALL – SLOW DANCE 🌸
Thought this was too important to not post here in the feed. A reminder to anyone who needs it:
TODAY is #ELECTIONDAY for several states – IN, MD, NM, PA, MO, DC, MT, RI, SD – If you need help – look to @866ourvote. There are trained, non-partisan volunteers ready to help. 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) to get the voting help you need.
#VOTETHECHANGE
Art that moves ⚡️
Nick Cave – SPEAK LOUDER
No fear. Ultimate love for you always. Missing you, Miss Simone.
I stood in the back to capture a fragment of this stunning event, never anticipating how many times I’d revisit this a few months later. Liza always knows best. When invited, you must say yes.
Mozart’s Requiem, Paris, Dec 30th, 2019.
