She spoke with the host of ABC7's SF Pride coverage, Reggie Aqui, about what this title means to her.
RELATED: San Francisco Pride Parade and Celebration | Watch this Sunday on ABC7
[Ads /]
"I'm finally embracing all of my identities more than ever. You know, I'm so proud, I feel so liberated in the fact that I'm queer, Chinese-American, immigrant, woman," said Cola. "All of these identities that society never rooted for, now I'm embracing as superpowers."
"And I just really hope to create some type of ripple effect in the work that I do, in the conversations that I have, in the presence that I'm giving at SF Pride."
Cola went on to explain why representation of the LGBTQ community within the media matters by reflecting on her time as the character Alice on the show.
"Because I was given the opportunity to play the role of Alice, I thought to myself, in 2018, you know, this character potentially could be a role model because I've never really seen this character growing up myself," she said.
While Cola shared that she was openly queer within her circle of friends, she talked about how a conversation with her mom allowed her to become her full, authentic self.
[Ads /]
"I finally just sat her down and told her about the fact that I'm queer, and the fact that I'm about to portray this character that, you know, could inspire a lot of people. How can I portray this character authentically if I wasn't spreading my wings fully, you know, in real life?"
Cola's hope is that her presence at this year's event will inspire others to continue to have that conversation.
Watch the video in the player above for the full interview with Cola.
Disney is the parent company of Freeform TV and this station.
Watch ABC7's exclusive live coverage on TV and streaming online starting at 10:30 a.m. as the parade kicks off with Reggie Aqui, Drew Tuma, Liz Kreutz, Jobina Fortson, Julian Glover, and the rest of the ABC7 team.
Check out abc7news.com/pride for stories about the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies, and share your Pride on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook by tagging your photos or videos #abc7now and we may show them online or on TV. You must have taken the image/video or otherwise own all rights to it and agree that KGO-TV and its licensees can use, edit & distribute it without restriction in all media. Full terms: abc7news.com/share
RELATED STORIES & VIDEOS:
- Here's what you need to know about street closures, Clipper card ahead of SF Pride Parade
- Pride Month 2022: What do LGBTQ and LGBTQIA+ mean?
- Pride Portraits: The largest LGBTQIA+ visibility campaign
- Local resources for LGBTQ+ issues
- SF's famous pink triangle lights up in ceremony to celebrate Pride Month
- 'Our America: Who I'm Meant to Be' | Full episode
- The love story behind Third Culture Bakery's chosen family
- 'Love is love:' Thousands show up for LA Pride Parade's big return
- Stonewall visitor center will be dedicated to LGBTQ history
- Grand Marshal of NYC's Pride March is fierce advocate for transgender athletes
- New York City apparel company co-owners and partners celebrate Pride
- Biden signs executive order to combat anti-LGBTQ legislation
- 'Jeopardy!' champ Amy Schneider reflects on White House visit, why representation matters
- 1st non-binary SF Bay to Breakers winner won more than just the race
- College trustee could be among 1st LGBTQIA+ Muslims to win elected office in CA
- Nonbinary martial artist practices self-expression through Kung Fu, gender identity
- LGBTQ+ and gay bars declining in number, study shows
- Black, gay faith leaders find common ground in experiences of racism, homophobia
- Meet Fresno Fire's 1st female chief on journey as lesbian, mom, wife
- Gay New York City comedian Rich Kiamco shares struggles on stage
- White House 'laser-focused' on fighting back against the onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation
- School mental health resources essential in decreasing high risk of suicide among LGBTQ+ youth
- LGBTQ+ Youth Health Town Hall: Experts answer your questions
[Ads /]