Sunday Pick: Pride 2025 with Carol Leifer, Sonya Passi, Paul Tazewell, Leisha Hailey, and Kate Moennig | from Design Matters

Pride Month serves as a backdrop for reflecting on the professional trajectories of accomplished LGBTQ+ individuals who have shaped their respective fields. Sonya Passi, founder of Free From, highlights the importance of systemic innovation outside of traditional political channels to combat gender-based violence. Costume designer Paul Tazewell traces his path from high school theater to Broadway and film, emphasizing how early exposure to the arts and a pragmatic approach to creative careers fueled his success. Comedian Carol Leifer underscores the role of family influence and early validation in pursuing a career in entertainment, while Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey discuss the pivotal moments that led them to acting. These conversations reveal how personal identity, early childhood influences, and a commitment to service or creative expression converge to define a fulfilling professional life.