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BREAKING
THE MOLD
ASIA KATE DILLON | 34
By Adam Rippon
The first time I met Asia Kate
Dillon was also the first time
I was ever asked about my
preferred pronouns. It was a
simple question, intended to
make me feel as comfortable
as possible. By the simple
act of sharing our pronouns,
we affirmed to each other
how we saw ourselves, and
how we wished the world
would see us too.
Asia challenges what we
think we know of femininity
and masculinity. Through
their work, Asia has carved
out a new space for other
nonbinary characters on
television. It wasn’t enough
to make space on shows
like Billions: they are also
committed to using their
platform to amplify the
voices (and stories) of
others. To me, this speaks to
their integrity.
Asia is a role model to
anyone who has ever felt
different. They have shown
me that when we show the
world who we really are is
when we truly soar. They
make raising others up with
them a priority.
Rippon is an Olympic
bronze-medal-winning
figure skater
PETER YANG—AUGUST
