Come As You Are: Erica + Cheyenne
This month, and every month, we’re encouraging you to Come As You Are! Whoever you are, be loud, proud and flaunt it! For this year’s Pride month, we are thrilled to amplify the voices of queer creators and extend our support to queer-centred charitable organizations. We wholeheartedly embrace diverse experiences, sexual identities, and gender expressions.
We are thrilled to announce our second blog post in the series, highlighting Erica Hill and Cheyenne Catchpole! They are an inspirational power couple within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, and we have had the privilege of collaborating with them in the past for our One For All Romper campaign. We are so excited to join forces once again on a blog post to discuss expressing yourself through fashion, how to support the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and so much more!
What are your pronouns and how do you identify?
ERICA: She/Her - Lesbian
CHEYENNE: She/Her - Queer
How do you express yourself through fashion as a means to challenge gender norms and stereotypes, while also celebrating your own unique identity within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community?
ERICA: I love subverting gender norms and wearing whatever makes me feel the most like myself. Whether that’s shopping in the men’s section, women’s section, or a mix - and it can change day to day!
CHEYENNE: I dress for my own individual expression, for my comfort, and for what feels good to me! I think it’s really wonderful that there’s no “wrong” way to express yourself through fashion if you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community
What are some unique and creative ways to accessorize outfits to show support for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community during Pride month?
ERICA & CHEYENNE: We love a subtle rainbow, or a uniquely queer saying or slogan - kind of a little nod of “if you know you know”
What fashion trends or styles have been historically associated with queer culture, and how have they evolved?
ERICA & CHEYENNE: Dressing in clothing typically made for another gender has been a historically queer trend. Although thankfully, today people of all sexualities are embracing this trend more than ever with menswear-inspired womenswear, men wearing skirts or painting their nails, etc. It’s been wonderful to watch the binaries of clothing and expression begin to dissolve for all people - not just the LGBTQ+ community!
What are some resources available to support those in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community who may be struggling with their identity?
ERICA & CHEYENNE: The internet is a beautiful resource for this! There are so many incredible queer creators that aim to inspire those to live more authentically, embody their true selves, and embrace their identity
Which 2SLGBTQIA+ creators would you highly recommend following?
ERICA & CHEYENNE: Us of course!
Each year, we partner with an 2SLGBTQIA+ charity as part of our give-back initiative. In the past we've worked with BC organizations such as QMUNITY and this year we are partnering with the Ontario-based organization, Friends of Ruby!
Friends of Ruby is a charitable organization dedicated to the progressive well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth (ages 16-29) in the GTA. Their services and programs are led by 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, informed by 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, and grounded in evidence and research. Friends of Ruby delivers and promotes mental health support, housing, wellness, education, employment, and inclusion through activities that meet 2SLGBTQIA+ youth needs. If you are interested in learning more about this amazing organization, you can find more information here.
We will bring awareness to this amazing organization by offering a 'donate at checkout' option from June 6th - 30th as well as donating 10% of our launch-day net sales from our Pride Collection, launching June 7th.