Merkin Dream II
“ “I love my brand, The Gay Agenda, because I am able to express my perspective of queer joy, advocate for issues I am passionate about and heal through my art displayed tonight as well as through every look on this runway.
This pieces color pallete is inspired by the Silence = Death campaign in the late 80s, through that charge of advocacy while making it I was able to connect with a younger version of myself.
Braids and the preservation of natural hair have a long history within my community. I can remember a time around 17 years of age, I applied to work at a country club as a server. I went through my interview and showed the best of me. Dressed down. Hair out. Finished the interview. Nailed it. Received a call back later that day offering me the position. The only stipulation was that I needed to cut my hair so that I looked more “presentable”. I declined and moved on. But that remark was something that stuck with me for a while…
Which is why I cherish these moments on this runway in which I am able to reclaim those moments
Honey if they could see me now walking through the doors of that country club….they still wouldn’t hire me….but nevertheless I still consider it a win.””
Photography: Tedd Henn
Photography: Tedd Henn
