L.A.-born and based, Courtney McCullough studied dance in London before moving back home to a successful modeling career. When she's not posing in campaigns and ads for the likes of M*A*C, W Magazine, BCBGeneration, New Balance and...the list goes on, she's probably either working on film projects like Weekly Meeting for Well Dang! Productions or traveling the world with her camera in tow. This is a woman who takes carpe diem to the next level.

What is your first memory of celebrating Pride Month?
Some years ago I was living in Israel, and I went to Tel Aviv Pride, which was such a festive environment. People in Tel Aviv are quite friendly and outgoing in general, but this was a whole other level of conviviality and solidarity, especially in a conservative region of the world.

What does Pride Month mean to you?
I think the increasing visibility of the LGBTQ community in our country and in the media is a positive step forward. Knowing that younger people are seeing that it's perfectly fine to be yourself and to know there are individuals with similar experiences on such a large scale is very uplifting and gives me hope.

What are you doing this year to celebrate?
I will actually be in NYC for some of the festivities with my good friends, and I am really excited about that! The different boroughs are each having their own Pride parades and celebrations, so I will get to attend a couple of those!

How would you like to see Pride Month evolve in the U.S. or the world?
For sure I'd like Pride Month to eventually exist in countries where homosexuality remains illegal, which would ultimately mean that it was decriminalized. I would like for people to feel safe stepping out of the shadows and bringing a positive image of the LGBTQ community to light. I hope that Pride Month becomes a celebration without any resistance, not just here in the U.S., but everywhere.