Misha Collins Sends Powerful Pride Message With Supernatural Co-Stars

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Indeed, it can be said to be a very powerful message for Pride Month delivered by Misha Collins with his Supernatural brothers, and the internet totally supports it. The actor openly shared this very bold and evocative picture of himself with his co-stars, Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki, posing defiantly while draped in rainbow flags, with a caption issuing a battle cry: “Don’t just survive these dark times—be strong, fight on, stay loud, stand proud! (And we’ll stand with you.)”

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The image, very much presenting the three as rebellious angels their fans have come to worship, was set forth by the very talented Chris Schmelke. At the center, Collins-the acclaimed actor who portrayed the angel Castiel-grips his rainbow flag like a banner for battle, all while Ackles and Padalecki strike poses complementing that glory. That kind of proud queer-positive imagery sends fandoms into a frenzy—and they did!

The backlash came rollin’ in. One fan said, “I woke up to this picture meaning I’m crying at 9 am. It’s an overwhelming feeling to be reminded of why your safe space feels safe.” Another chimed in: “Thank you for being a safe space for so many people, including me.” That kind of sentiment went on and on-these weren’t just Pride posts; they were a lifeline to LGBTQ+ viewers finding some kind of refuge from found-family themes in Supernatural.

Those opposing voices were, of course, a minority: one questioned, “Why are they dark times? A man can still spread his cheeks and receive a sausage. It’s not illegal.” To which another responded, “Better woke than morally broke.” Trump supporters then weighed in by attacking Collins’ political statements back in conventions, meanwhile demanding refunds for all insults thrown their way, which only served to further prove the necessity of Collins’ message: In other words, Pride is political, and SPN aren’t willing to back down.

There was laughter, too. One fan joked, “Sastiel BDSM ops weren’t on my bingo card, but I’ll take it,” referring to the show’s infamous shipping wars. Another joked about Jensen Ackles’ expression in the snap: “Jensen staying out of the Mishalecki madness is just 100 on par for J2M lol.” The whole cast chemistry, apparently, was the very cornerstone of the celebrations.

What made the post land a big blow, however, as opposed to other celebrity Pride gestures? Context. Supernatural had 15 seasons and a fiercely loyal LGBTQ+ fandom on the ground, many identifying with Castiel-the angel who defied orders from heaven for love. Its conventions were seen as sanctuaries where these queer fans could meet their idols and each other. When Collins says, “we’ll stand with you,” it is far from just empty words. It is an echo back to years of the cast showing up- literally hugging crying fans at meet-and-greets.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, though. Collins’ exhortation to fight on comes heavy with over 500 anti-LGBTQ+ bills having been introduced in the U.S. alone this year. Hence, the weight that one fan’s simple statement conveys-“Happy Pride Castiel”-for many, that trench-coated angel will always be Collins, who taught them it’s okay to be different.

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As the comments continue flooding in—from Portuguese proclamations of love (“Amo muito vocês meus divos”) to tearful thank-yous—it is one thing clear: Supernatural family is not just celebrating Pride; they’re fortifying it. And that darkness? They’ll take it on together, just as Collins promised.