Meet Byron Eliazim | Actor & Digital Influencer | LGBTQ+ Advocate

We had the good fortune of connecting with Byron Eliazim and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Byron, what are you inspired by?
I feel like we as human beings; are inspired by a lot of different things that we see in our everyday lives. Growing up I was inspired tremendously by Lady Gaga. Yes I know, super cliché, extra gay, all of the above. This is a person who probably heard the word ‘no’ more times than I can count and giving up was never an option. That to me is automatically inspiring. You’re telling me; all I have to do is be creative, be myself, be patient, and one day, I will get a yes? Sounds like a plan to me.

I am inspired by nothing ordinary. I am inspired by those who aren’t afraid to come out of their homes with gender-bending, non-conforming, lifestyles. I am inspired by the rule-breakers. I am inspired by my generation, who aren’t afraid to stand up and fight for what they believe in. This is our future, this is my future, I have to be inspired by them, because if I’m not, then who do I aspire to be? Now that’s a good question…Who do I aspire to be?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started dancing Plena competitively at the age of 6 where I attended competitions across all of northern Puerto Rico. I didn’t really understand the reasoning as to why I was doing this as a child, but this is something that stuck with me and it’s something I am super proud of because it showed me my culture, it taught me discipline, and it’s something I’ve never forgotten about. It stays close to my heart.

After moving to the United States, I started singing with my elementary school chorus at the age of 9. Shortly after, I was accepted into the choir at my middle school at the age of 10. Before moving to Los Angeles to pursue my TikTok and acting career, I attended Full Sail University where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Film and Television Productions. These are all accomplishments that have turned me into who I am today.

Was it easy? No. Not at all. It was hard, and it got harder and harder every day. I was bullied and made fun of, but none of that ever stopped me. I kept going, I stayed dedicated and that’s what got me through along with the immense support from all of my friends and family. I learned to take all of that hate and negativity and turn it in my favor. I was proud. I was gay and proud, and I’m sorry, but you got me messed up if you think a couple of words your parents thought you were going to be the end of me. That alone, was the biggest lesson of all.

I want the world to know that it’s not about me, it’s about what I believe and stand for. I stand for equality for everyone. I stand for love, happiness, and the pursuit of your purpose. I want everyone to believe in themselves to be confident and to pursue their happiness. I want everyone to believe that they can be the best version of themselves.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend is coming into town? That’s a party! We would start with brunch at Millie’s Cafe on Sunset Blvd. Best breakfast food I’ve tasted in my opinion. Dinner would definitely be at Mama’s Shelter. It was introduced to me by a friend, and I quickly fell in love with it. Drinks would probably have to be at The Abbey in West Hollywood. We would end up staying there because let’s be honest…why not? Plus, if my best friend was coming I would have to show them around all of Los Angeles, so that’s a trip within itself. Let’s just say we’d be busy.

I love night scenery. My favorite places to check out are The Pike in Long Beach, West Hollywood, The Griffith Observatory in Glendale, and this list could honestly go on so I’m going to stop it here.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve all the credit in the world for all they’ve done for me, for all the help they’ve given me, for all the advice, love, care, and dedication, and time they’ve put into me. If I write all of their names down this would never end.

With that being said,

Mom & Dad, thank you for raising me into the person I am today. Thank you for believing in me, my vision, and for loving me unconditionally. I love you.

To all my siblings, thank you for all the love, care, and most importantly, the arguments. Whether you all know this, all of these arguments have actually prepared me to fend for myself in the real world, and for that security, I thank all of you, but I have to give a special thanks to my sister Kristen, your constant love and determination for me to do the best cannot be forgotten, ever. I love you all.

Luli, Paola, Adam, Dwight, Nate, and Brian. You all are in my closest circle, meaning I would do anything in my power for all of you. You mean the world and back to me and I can’t thank you guys enough for being my friends. I love you all.

Monica Mamudo, thank you for everything. You’re honestly one of my closest friends, and I can honestly call you a sister. You believe in me in more ways than I believe myself, and for that, I can’t thank you enough. I love you.

Narong Sok, thank you for being an amazing friend, and photographer. You are one of the most talented people I’ve ever run into and I am so thankful that you are in my life. Thank you.

My instructors, thank you all for pushing me to do my best at all times. You’re the pillar to my success and that’s something I will never forget. Special thanks to Andrew Loehwing, and Frank Geremia. These two souls are two of the main reasons I’ve gotten so much accomplished. Some people would call them cheerleaders, I call them guardian angels. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thank you all.

Website: solo.to/byroneliazim

Instagram: @byroneliazim

Twitter: @byroneliazim

Facebook: @byroneliazim

Other: Tiktok: @byroneliazim

Image Credits
Narong Sok