"They look like they’re finally getting to fly," the youth said softly.

The festival arrived on a warm Saturday. Thays had designed a kaleidoscope of soaring birds, their feathers a mix of every color imaginable. When she walked into the park, she saw her art draped over the main stage. She stood there, watching families, couples, and individuals of all backgrounds dancing and laughing under the banners she had created.

One Tuesday, a local community center approached her to design a poster for an upcoming "Open Hearts" festival, a celebration of queer joy and authentic living. As she sat with her sketchbook, Thays realized that for a long time, she had felt "free" only in the sense of being left alone. But as she drew, she began to think about a different kind of freedom—the freedom to be visible without fear.

A young person, looking a bit nervous and holding a small pride flag, walked up to her. "Did you make these?" they asked, pointing to the birds. Thays nodded, smiling. "I did."