In a world where fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression, it is imperative that fashion houses in India recognize the essential nature of uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community in a country that still doesn’t have a national law to regulate same-sex unions. Coming from a brand whose very DNA reverberates with the ideals of embracing inclusivity and challenging societal norms, here’s how the fashion landscape in India can play a pivotal role in giving the LGBTQ+ community a platform. And yes we are talking about after June 30th as well.
- Collaboration & Conversation: To create a conversation is arguably the first step for breaking free from the heteronormative echo chamber. If you wish to lend a platform start with collaborations that allow the community to tell their unabridged stories without fear or inhibition. Truthful collaborations can amplify queer voices, foster creativity, create pride collections, pride events, or pride merch and generate authentic conversations.
- Beyond Pink and LGBT Rainbows: The LGBTQ history of queer fashion & pride dressing is as multifaceted as you’d expect. Fashion houses can do so much by exploring the vast spectrum of colors, patterns, and styles that reflect the LGBTQIA+ community through meaningful collaborations.
- Support LGBTQIA+ Causes: Actions speak louder than words. Fashion brands can show their solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community by actively supporting LGBTQIA+ charities, organizations, and events. Whether donating a portion of profits or organizing fundraisers, these efforts go a long way in making a tangible impact and promoting positive change.
- Educate and Inspire: Fashion is a means of storytelling that paves the way for education. Independent brands can use their platforms to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ history, their struggles, their achievements, their fears & their strengths. Through thoughtfully curated content, brands have the power to inspire their audience to be true allies and advocates for the community.
- Inclusivity in Sizing: Here’s something the fashion brands can take a note or two of - queer fashion focuses on experimenting with garments based on people's different body shapes instead of following the restrictions given by gendered clothing categorization. This liberating principle that outlines the essence of what is LGBTQ fashion, leads every individual, regardless of their size or shape, to feel seen and confident.
- Break the Gender Binary: Gender-neutral fashion is not a passing trend; it's a movement that’s been unapologetically challenging traditional gender norms since the early 1900s. The more gender fluidity we embrace the more empowered the world gets to express itself authentically. As designers, there is so much responsibility to be taken in order to help the world break free from the confines of the gender binary.
Truth be told, Pride needs to be a perpetual prerogative for independent fashion brands in India and not just confined to an LGBTQ day, pride month, or pride background. Because fashion indeed has the power to be a catalyst for change. To amplify queer voices and help rewrite the rules of style with Pride & Prerogative. One cannot embrace inclusivity without fostering a fashion landscape that is fiercely fabulous, unapologetically bold, and undeniably progressive for all souls in society. With that being said, here’s wishing you a Happy Pride! 🏳️🌈