We’re asking the questions to increase awareness and understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month.

Sabrena Ferguson is the owner of Meta Beauty Collective, a safe place and salon for guests of all ages and genders. Sabrena has been a licensed cosmetologist of 8 years and believes that beauty comes in all forms! Here’s her story and what she wants you to know…

How old were you when you started questioning who you were?

Middle school, probably around 13/14 years old.

How old were you when you came out?

25 years old.

How did you come out?

I was unfortunately outed by someone else, to my family anyway. I ended up just answering questions about what they had heard, and explained that I have feelings for a woman and that’s just it. I didn’t really need to “come out” to my friends, I just told them I was now seeing a woman and they didn’t bat an eye.

What is one piece of advice you would give someone who is afraid of coming out?

1. Everyone deserves to come out in their own time, on their own terms. Do it when YOU are ready.

2. Ever since I came out, I have lived a more fulfilling and authentic life. I can’t promise it’ll be easy to come out, but I can promise you, you’ll feel better once you do.

3. Coming out doesn’t change a thing about you, you are who you are and coming out is just a construct. Don’t give it so much power. If you plan to do it, just rip off the band aid and live your best, queer, authentic life!

Who did you come out to first?

Technically, my friend Natty. I told her I had a crush on a woman and she quickly wanted to know who, and talked to me a lot about her experience with dating women. It was very validating and comforting knowing I had someone to relate to.

What was the hardest part about coming out?

The reactions of my close family members. It was absolutely crushing to have people you love not support something that is a part of who you are.

What was the easiest part? Was there an easy part?

Telling my friends was probably the easiest part, especially my roller derby family. My team has whole-heartedly supported me from the get and were there for me and validated me, for me. I think it was also easier with my friends because I surround myself with very open-hearted and kind people. My friends just accept me for who I am.

How did your family and/or friends react?

My family had mixed reactions, some good some pretty rough. Most of them have become more supportive by now, but in the beginning of being “out” I was called a dyke, asked if it was a phase, and was thrown lots of inappropriate questions. My friends for the most part have been supportive and loving- aside from some invasive questions, but that’s okay- we are all learning.

Who is your biggest supporter?

My fiancé, Ashley. She is the first woman I’ve had a romantic relationship with and she is my soulmate, partner in crime, and best friend. She was so patient and mindful of this new journey I was experiencing and I’m so happy she was the one by my side when I came out.

What does Pride Month mean to you?

Pride month to me means being unapologetically proud of who I am and helping others do the same. I want every queer person in the world to know that they deserve to be who they are without scrutiny.