We all think we’re being real—whether in public or in private—but the deeper challenge is questioning whether we truly know our real selves at all. In any case, even when we know ourselves we might face various pressures that push us to fit in or not cause trouble – so even the most well-intentioned person might struggle to always be 100% real in public. Sometimes the simplest questions are actually the most complex. Thankfully, we have some wonderful members of the community who offered to share their thoughts on this challenging question.
Bill Alverson
It is 100%. I do have private personal things but if it’s known, i don’t hide it. I have had people contact me after watching any of my three tv shows – and tell me — yep, i’ve seen that fact… uh oh, i knew that was coming etc. Read More>>
William Hung
Yes and no – but probably not in the way people expect. The public version of me on Instagram, doing Cameos, embracing the American Idol story with humor? That’s genuinely me. I’m not performing reluctance or faking enthusiasm. I actually find it fun, and I don’t carry resentment about what happened. That lightheartedness is real. But it’s also incomplete. Read More>>
Chris Potts
The current public version of me is the only person that exists as me. Recently I was diagnosed with ASD meaning that for most of my life i have masked myself in public to ‘fit in’ and not appear as ‘the weird kid’. Read More>>
Allison Webber
The public version of me is probably the most real me. As much as I try to portray myself as professional, I’m really open about my entire life. Authenticity is an overused word, but I try my hardest to be my realest self because you never know who needs to know they aren’t alone. Read More>>
Katelyn Osborne
The public version of myself is the real me. I don’t try to have some alter ego therefore I don’t think I really have a secondary self. It would take too much time to make up and would be exhausting pretending to be something/someone I am not. Read More>>
Meagan Lamontine
I believe that most people wear masks in public to hide their true selves. I am one of them. I absolutely have a different version of myself when I am at work versus with friends versus at home with my husband and cats. Read More>>
Ludo Smolic
I think so, yeah! I have no reason to be anything except who I am anymore. I struggled with my identity for a long time that I wouldn’t let all that personal work go to waste hiding who I am. I don’t have any shame about myself and I love sharing who I am and my experiences with other people. Read More>>
Gail Shalan
Yes, absolutely. I don’t think I know how to show up inauthentically, and frankly, I have no interest in doing so. I can be honest and open to an extent that I think maybe surprises folks sometimes. I’m not really interested in masking or changing things about myself. I don’t see the benefit in that. Read More>>
Brooklyn Barwick
No, ‘The Big Deal’ isn’t the real me. I’m Brooklyn Barwick, a young woman from California chasing my dreams. The Big Deal is a bold online persona I created to shield my mental health and true self from internet scrutiny. I’m working on balancing the two. Read More>>
Danyelle Gamch
I think everyone I meet knows the real me. I never pretend to be something that I’m not. I believe in living authentically, and my faith is a guiding force in everything I do. God first always. I’m passionate about creating genuine connections with people, and I take pride in holding space for others to share their experiences openly and without judgment. Read More>>
BY-POLAR Glover
One principle I stand by is being authentically myself, regardless of the situation. You can expect to meet the same genuine person wherever I am. I hold myself to high standards in order to improve every day, and I will never compromise that for anyone else’s approval. Whether I’m right or wrong, I will always be my true self. Read More>>
Jummy Kirby
The public version of me is real, but it’s not the whole story. What people see—my work, my voice, my passion for healing—is an authentic part of who I am. But there are also quieter parts, the pieces I keep for myself, my family, and my closest circle. Read More>>
Dr. Ketra L. Davenport-King
Yes, it is. What you see in public—the passion, the professionalism, the purpose—is not a performance. It’s a reflection of who I truly am. I don’t wear masks or play roles. I lead, I teach, I serve, and I speak from a place of authenticity. The public version of me is the product of years of growth, struggle, and unwavering faith. Read More>>
Natalie Jean
I believe in always being authentic. Authenticity is very important to me, both in my life and in my music. The public version of me is absolutely the real me — the part that’s driven by my passion for creating, performing, and advocating for change. What people see on stage, in my songs, and through my projects comes directly from my heart. Read More>>
Joel Gibson
Yes. Authenticity is paramount to me and it has been a key factor in growing our brand. People that meet us and get to know us feel connected even more to the performance. I have no interest in being a star, it’s all about the music and the fans that support it. Read More>>
Leslie Jespersen
That’s such a powerful question, because in personal branding we hear a lot about ‘authenticity’ and ‘transparency’—be yourself, show up as you are. And yes, I believe in that 100%. But the truth is, as a public figure, you still create personas. When I’m on stage or in an interview, I’m still Leslie Jespersen—professional, eloquent, bold, with a little spice. That’s real. Read More>>
Jami Olds
I am always unapologetically myself. I’ve learned that there is no one better to be. I have a very big heart and I always strive to make my clients feel valued and beautiful. It just so happens that my clients have the most beauty inside and I really enjoy bringing that out and showing it to them. Read More>>
Dr. Regina Baltimore Barbour
The public version of me is definitely the real me and anyone who knows me will tell you that. I am truly the transparency enthusiast. I am all about being your authentic self! I believe in living in alignment with who you truly are, your values, beliefs, personality and inner convictions, rather than conforming to external expectations or social pressures. Read More>>
Franco La Russa
I think the public version of me is real, but it’s only one layer. What people see in exhibitions, on social media, or in interviews is a curated slice — my work, my ideas, my voice. It’s authentic, but of course shaped by context. The fuller version of me includes the everyday mess, the doubts, the experiments that never make it into the public eye. Read More>>
Kazmier Maslanka
When I hear a question like this, I think about how we all assume there’s such a thing as “the real me” or “the real you.” One of the most life-changing things I experienced through meditation is that there is no fixed self. There’s no “real me” to pin down. You can sit quietly, close your eyes, and try to locate it. Read More>>
Lydia Knorr
Yes, the public version of me is real, but it’s not the whole story. I genuinely am a positive person who looks for the silver linings, even on the hardest days. That outlook is part of who I am, but it doesn’t mean I don’t struggle or have low moments. Read More>>
Tre’La Peters
Hell yes—the public version of me is the real me. What you see is what you get. The work I do, the way I speak, the energy I bring—it all comes from an authentic place. I don’t create a persona to sell my brand or to show up for my community; I show up as Tre’La. Read More>>
Deeba Montazeri
I think the public version of me is a part of me, but not all of me. Funny enough, people who don’t know me very well but meet in public settings, assume I am incredibly extroverted. But the people who really know me, would beg to differ. I think I have always been really good, probably because of my childhood, at putting on the mask. Read More>>
Nixlot Dameus
Absolutely, I stand by a principle of not having a gimmick but instead myself, real, vulnerable, strong and an overcomer Read More>>
Purefected
Yes Read More>>
Tina Crossley
Yes, because that’s all I know how to be. It’s much more difficult to keep up a facade. Lies can go on for ever, but truth will set you free from unnecessary charades. Read More>>
Jack Curtis Dubowsky
My second book, “Easy Listening and Film Scoring 1948-78,” really delves into this question of artifice versus authenticity. Authenticity is a kind of fallacy, it’s as much of a show or a put-on as is artifice. And some of the most artificial artists (think Bowie or Prince) are seen as the most genuine. Read More>>
Samanah Duran
Luckily, with my new YouTube channel—a platform I once shied away from—I finally get to show up as me. No filters, no facades. Just the real, raw version of my journey as a mother and a founder, building a business from the ground up. Read More>>
