Queer style took center stage at the opening of New York Fashion Week on Thursday. More than 1,000 people lined the Beaux Arts Court at the Brooklyn Museum to celebrate dapperQ magazine’s 7th annual fashion show.

Gay hip-hop artist Cakes Da Killa kicked off the fashion feast on the runway with a musical performance that included dancers in box braids and beaded cornrows. Known for its ‘genderless fashion’, the event attracted models of all genders, sizes and ages.

The show also featured eight LGBTQ fashion designers, including Project Runway Season 17 runner-up Hester Sunshine. Mickey Freeman from FreeMen by Mickey. And trans guy supply.

This year’s theme, Bloom, uses fashion to highlight how LGBTQ people find joy and prosperity amid a wave of anti-LGBTQ laws, including attacks on transgender youth in sports and healthcare. was intended to

Earlier this year, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed into law a “don’t say gay” bill that limits discussion of sexuality and gender identity in the classroom. Meanwhile, in Texas, authorities have begun investigating the parents of transgender youth.

Anita Dolce Vita, owner of queer style magazine dapperQ, said the show was a statement against efforts to limit the rights of LGBTQ people across the country.

Dolce Vita refers to anti-LGBTQ laws, saying, “We’re in denial about it. It’s beautiful, but it’s also dangerous to stand by our truth and show up as our most authentic selves.” So creating this space is very important because it is a safe space.”

Black transmasculine model Devin Norell of Stuzo Clothing, a brand launched by designer Stoney Micheli Love, struts down the runway with the words “Protect transgender children” written in marker on her arm. did.

“It’s sad because the mental health of these children is at stake,” Devin Norell said of the ban on gender-affirming care. Because they were disrespected and targeted. …When you attack transgender children, you attack us too.”

Julien Gavino, a 26-year-old disabled transgender model from Philadelphia, said she wants to be a role model for others who don’t see themselves in the fashion industry.

“Being queer and disabled, I don’t usually appear on the runway,” said Gabino, who uses a wheelchair. “I do it for my younger self and for other young people who may be thinking, ‘No one looks like me,’ because I used to think, ‘I don’t look like me.’ I thought there was no one there.”

“Like a family reunion”

Returning to the runway for this month’s event is the first show since the pandemic began. LGBTQ designers and models, including B. Hawkes Snipes, will once again meet the queer fashion community after a two-year hiatus. He said he was excited.

“This is like a family reunion,” said celebrity fashion stylist and designer Freeman, wearing a red feather jacket and sunglasses. is rarely held, so whenever there is an opportunity to be celebrated, it is good.”

Snipes, who uses “them” and “she” pronouns, has been on the show for about four years. Snipes said LGBTQ designers and models need to be seen across the industry.

“We deserve the spotlight on us,” they said, adding that after a two-year hiatus, “it feels great to be in the community and family.”