Pride Month 2022: Q+A with Video Editor Sara Oliveira

What does LGBTQ+ pride mean to you?

Pride month to me is a time to celebrate and highlight the LGBTQ+ community, to remember our history and those who fought for our rights, and to continue to promote inclusion!

Have you experienced work place environments that lacked inclusivity? If so, how did that contribute to building barriers for professional development and career advancement?

Yes, I have experienced that a couple times in my years of working professionally in video production. Those environments perpetuated a lot of fear,?shame?and stress in me. I did not feel safe to be my full-self without the risk of hurting my career and, ultimately, losing my job. It had a detrimental effect on my mental health, and I am both so happy and relieved to now be working for a company that not only accepts me fully, but celebrates me! Being featured in this way at Go West Creative is definitely a redemptive moment for me, and one that I am very thankful for.

What emotions come with serving as a leader of young LGBTQ+ people in the work force to set the standard for equal opportunities and justice?

It takes a lot of vulnerability. I like to live my life as an open book. My desire is to lead by example and give young LGBTQ+ people hope that they too can succeed in their dreams and aspirations, and have just as much of a beautiful and fulfilling life as anyone else. Sometimes it can be scary, but if it helps one person I count it all worth it. It’s important to live authentically not just for ourselves, but for each other. I strive to do that everyday.

Outside of the work place environment, are there any aspects of being part of the LGBTQ+ community that you would like to share?

My favorite LGBTQ+ spot in Nashville is The Lipstick Lounge in East. It was one of the first places I discovered when I moved to Nashville in 2019. I had the privilege of meeting the owner one night, and we ended up talking about church and Christianity and the pain that often comes with loving God and being queer. She told me that she opened The Lipstick Lounge to give people a place to call home; where EVERYONE is welcomed and accepted, no questions asked.

It is the most peaceful, safe, fun and joy-filled place that I have found in Nashville so far. She also told me that if I looked closely, I would find scripture written on the walls inside of the bar. At the end of a beautiful conversation I said to her,?“well, I think I found my new church.” She replied,?“honey, you sure did!” and gave me a big hug. I am so thankful to have found such an environment when I was so new in Nashville and still closeted publicly. It gave me a sense of community and company when I really needed it, and I still have wonderful conversations with the owner (Jonda) almost every time I’m there. Not to mention, the drinks are strong and affordable, and their karaoke is always entertaining. If you catch me on a good night, I’ll be belting Bohemian Rhapsody like there’s no tomorrow.

If you feel comfortable sharing, what was the backbone of your support system; was it family-based? Community-based? Or, relationship-based?

I am one of the lucky ones who has a very accepting family. They hardly skipped a beat when I came out to them in 2018 (fun fact: my dad was the first person I ever came out to). They simply told me that they loved me, and all they wanted for me in life was for me to be happy. I was, however, not so lucky with many people from my previous church community. I actually moved to Nashville because I needed to leave the small, conservative town in California (where I had built a life and community for 10 years) in order to fully be myself and have enough courage and safety to?“come out”.?

It is not easy losing people over something you cannot control, but I have been very blessed since coming out and living freely with a rich and new community here in Nashville who love and support me fully, and who I never have to hide from. To have such a place as a queer person is definitely a gift, and not always easily attained.

What type of aspirations do you have that you would love to share; Go West-related, or personal?

My partner, Kayla, and I would love to buy a house in the next couple of years; mostly so we can have a yard for our 3 massive dogs (Nala, Demon and Marcie). Professionally, I hope to grow more as a director and cinematographer, mostly for music videos. I’ve had the privilege of doing so in the past, and I’ve discovered it’s my most favorite avenue for the creativity and leadership that I feel within myself. Although, my main aspiration is simply more tattoos.?