"9-1-1: Lone Star" star Paul Strickland, portrayed by transgender man Brian Michael Smith, talked about celebrating Pride 2020 under quarantine and shared his tips for the newbies. As the face of Pride 2020, which was held virtually for the very first time in 51 years, the actor plays a big part of the globally renowned event.

The 37-year old actor was not as vocal towards Pride as he is now. At that moment, he divulged in the reality of being a member of the LGBTQ+ people of color that he somewhat feels alienated towards the movement.

His personal background is one factor of the case; hailed from Ann Arbor, Michigan, Smith was known for being a male. The actor, in his youth, is an expert in pole vaulting and shot up on the all-boys track team. He was raised in a very loving and religious family but, eventually, severed their relationship when he came out as a transman. According to TV Guide, it was only at the unexpected passing of a beloved aunt that aided his family to fully accept his identity.

Celebrating first Pride under lockdown

"I would encourage anyone who’s celebrating their first Pride, to celebrate,” Brian Michael Smith said in an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife. “…find someone to connect with and recognize that you’re not alone,” Smith added.

When asked about his tips to those who are celebrating their first Pride under quarantine, the actor-activist shared Marsha P. Johnson’s quote saying, “No Pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.”

Smith also elaborated the importance of having a support system in the community, especially for Black Indigenous people of color that are still going through the struggle.

Brian Michael Smith is one of the hosts of this year’s NYC Pride Virtual Rally, which gave him a platform to amplify the voice of the movement. G.L.I.T.S. executive director Ceyenne Doroshow aimed to provide permanent housing for transwomen in the U.S.

“I’ve been able to use my voice in a different way, by showing up at Black Lives Matter protests…” the actor said. He added that as simple as urging people by wearing a mask and sanitizing makes him feel like his voice and effort has not put into waste.

2020 New York City Pride March

This year’s New York City Pride March commemorates the movement’s 50th anniversary, remembering the time LGBTQI+ community took the stand against police brutality. This year’s march was done virtually given the current social unrest caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s Brian Michael Smith’s stirring message: