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

Hi Lars, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I find art, from creative writing to performing, to be the most fulfilling and cathartic outlet for me. I have been able to transform my negative emotions – traumas, fears – into the most beautiful things.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It was not easy at home for me as a kid, and finding choir and theatre in middle school changed my life. I’m sure people say that all the time! But, really, the classroom of my drama teacher (shout out Autumn Rodriguez) was one of the places I knew I would always be safe, accepted, and able to express myself. As a kid who was clocked as queer very young, I was bullied through my elementary and middle school years by both students and parents. I remember being told by girls my age that their parents said they couldn’t hang out with me because I would “turn them gay” (mind you, I hadn’t even realized I was gay or trans or anything – and as you can imagine, it was hard to admit they were right when shoving me into a box. I didn’t want to let them win).
When it came to my eccentricity and bold personality, I remember my mom would tell me to “tone it down” in order to help people warm up to me. I don’t blame her! She loves me and my quirks, but the world is cruel and she wanted to protect me.
But I eventually realized that everything those close-minded people hated about me, were the same things that the people who actually matter would love and celebrate me for! And most of all, I learned to love and celebrate myself. I wrote a lot of poetry to vent a lot of emotions… Classic! But really, writing is a beautiful outlet. I find my writing of screenplays and stage plays to be some of the most fulfilling and exciting work I get to do. I have been lucky enough to see two of my original plays produced at Cal State Long Beach, one entitled Magnets and another titled Smitten.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For a day in Long Beach, I think there’s a couple necessities you have to check out – go to a cute coffee shop, maybe even a brunch, hit a thrift or vintage store, and a metaphysical shop, then finish up at one of the many amazing gay bars around.
I recommend:
Coffee Drunk then The Crooked Duck for brunch, Out of the Closet (thrift store who also does free HIV testing/treatment), Z Fabrique or House of Intuition on second street for your witchy metaphysical needs, then finish up on Broadway and hit SweetWater Saloon.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom – for giving me everything.

Instagram: @larslarzlars

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsworld?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Image Credits
First pic: Olivia Ketchel,
Second pic: Christopher Martin,
Third pic: Jackie Jimenez,
Fifth pic: Susan Gasparyan

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.