User blog:Idekmandy/Staff Spotlight: Celebrating Pride With Sam Freeman, Marketing Manager at Fandom

Hello, hello, hello everyone! As our Pride celebration continues, we’re sharing the stories and lived experiences of passionate LGBTQIA+ folks who embrace authenticity and promote inclusivity in everything that they do. Through our theme of “Looking Back and Moving Forward”, we are focusing on the importance of understanding where we came from in order to get where we need to be. Learning and empathizing with queer stories is a powerful step to progressing toward a world of acceptance for all, so I highly encourage you all to open up your minds and hearts to understanding the unique journeys of people different from yourself.

As part of this effort, we wanted to shine a light on members of Fandom Staff that you don’t necessarily get to interact with every day. You always see the Community Team around, right? But we have so many more talented people working behind the scenes to make this platform the most inclusive destination for all fans, and we’d love for you to get to know them a little better!

Today we’re introducing Sam Freeman, Marketing Manager at Fandom, who also happens to be an incredible drag performer! Read on to learn more about his role at Fandom, his drag journey, and his advice for promoting impactful change for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Meet Sam
Hi! My name is Sam Freeman (any pronoun), In-drag: Lemon Skweezy (also, any pronoun). Coming from a long line of musicians and craftspeople, I have over 20 years of experience as a saxophonist, pianist, and composer. Growing up in the theater world, with my dad running shows featuring music from the 50s to the 70s (and Elvis impersonators), I developed a passion for performing. I've acted in countless stage and on-camera productions, including a commercial for Dollywood in high school. The stage has always been my home.

'''1. What is your role at Fandom? How long have you been with the company?'''
 * I am a marketing manager across many brands at Fandom (including Fandom, GameSpot, TV Guide, and more). My focus is on lifecycle marketing, leveraging a range of marketing channels including email, push notifications, and in-app messaging. I have been with Fandom since we were acquired in October 2022, but have worked for GameSpot for almost 5 years.

2. What is your drag persona and the meaning behind it?
 * Lemon Skweezy is my drag persona - a self-described "GLAMP" queen (possessing qualities of both beauty and comedy). I draw inspiration from a variety of incredible female comedians and musicians throughout the decades. Legends like Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, and Laurie Metcalf are just a few examples of the powerhouses that fuel my creativity. Whether it's through my outrageous antics or my catchy riffs on the sax, I'm committed to delivering 100% absurdity at all times.

3. What inspired you to start doing drag?
 * I have been captivated by the imagery of female musicians ever since I was a baby. I grew up listening to Cyndi Lauper, Paula Abdul, and Janet Jackson, and later, my infatuation blossomed into an outright obsession with the iconic Spice Girls. As a kid, my mom and sister would dress me up with a red t-shirt over my head while I lip-synced to “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” It was only natural that I adapted this to the stage in my early 20s, 9 years ago.

'''4. What does the art of drag mean to you? How much has it impacted your life?'''
 * To me, drag is a transformative art form that holds a special place in my heart. It serves as a powerful vehicle for self-expression, breaking the confines of gender and defying societal expectations tied to appearance. It gave me a unique opportunity for introspection and self-exploration, allowing me to peel back the layers of societal norms and delve deep into the core of my being. Embracing this has transcended the limitations placed on me as a "boy," liberating myself from the stereotypes that often accompany traditional gender roles, and unearthing parts of myself that may have remained hidden.

5. One of our core company values is “We Bring Joy.” How do you spread joy through your drag?
 * In the world of drag, community is vital. However, barriers to entry can make it challenging to find one's place, especially with the influence of RuPaul's Drag Race (an unintended consequence). I'm committed to breaking down those barriers and inviting everyone to participate in drag, regardless of who they are. I happily help people explore drag for the first time, without any expectations or compensation, unlike some artists. I strive to create an inclusive and supportive community where everyone can freely express themselves.

6. Are there any fandoms that have influenced your craft or are personally meaningful to you?
 * In addition to my love for music, I am captivated by the world of animation, especially in the realm of video games. From my earliest days, playing games like Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda alongside my sister, I found myself drawn to the enchanting princess aesthetic. The magical realms and narratives of these games have left a mark on my imagination and have continued to inspire me throughout my journey.

'''7. Our theme for Pride this year is “Looking Back and Moving Forward”. Thinking about where you are now and how far you’ve come, what advice would you give to your younger self?'''
 * I would advise my younger self to start embracing things that bring me joy, like playing with makeup, sooner. Growing up in a conservative area like Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, I had to hide my true self to fit in and gain acceptance. But looking back, I realize that concealing who I am (see what I did there?) took a toll on my well-being. I would remind myself to prioritize self-acceptance, explore my passions, and find a supportive community. Embracing my true identity earlier would have allowed me to discover and celebrate myself with authenticity.

8. What do you hope the future holds for you, for drag, and for the LGBTQIA+ community as a whole?
 * My ultimate aspiration is for people to embrace our differences without resorting to hostility. This extends to our own community, especially within drag, and the LGBTQIA+ community. While competition may be naturally prevalent in the arts, it should not lead to sacrificing our personal values in a bid to outshine others. Drag is not a zero-sum game; there is room for everyone to shine. This principle applies to any community, as we are all fundamentally human beings at the core. I’d like to foster understanding, and empathy, celebrating the richness that diversity brings.

9. What words of inspiration would you pass on to anyone interested in doing drag?
 * By paving my own path and following my passions, I have found a sense of purpose and accomplishment that surpasses any external measures of success. I encourage you to find YOUR joy and hold onto it, as it will lead you to the most genuine and rewarding journey of success.

10. What actions can queer folks and allies take to promote forward progress for the LGBTQIA+ community?
 * The most impactful change happens at the individual level. Engaging in open and honest conversations with our own families, friends, and peers holds greater power than vilifying those we don't understand from different social circles (and on social media). By having these meaningful dialogues, we can effectively express our perspectives while respecting the realities of others. This holds true even if we come from more conservative backgrounds. How can we hope to make a difference in the world if we cannot foster harmony and understanding with those around us?

11. How can the community continue to follow your journey?
 * Please follow me on Instagram: @lemon_skweezy
 * Check out my interview with queer personality Joseph Shepherd on his podcast, “Queening Out”
 * Subscribe to my YouTube for more random projects and performances

Thank you so much to Sam for being open to sharing their thoughts and experiences with all of you! I hope everyone has enjoyed getting to know him and the power of his artistry. Remember that there is “room for everyone to shine” so make space to be your most authentic self and empower those around you to do the same.

We will have more stories to come next week, but in the meantime, go show Sam some love in the comments!

Have a great weekend celebrating Pride!