PRIDE

“Doc’s footwear is deeply rooted in the history of subcultures. DM’s can be seen as both timeless and avant-garde, somewhat like the LGBTQIA+ community. Queer people have always found ways to live, meet, fight, and exist whether we were or weren’t allowed to. We've always been here yet being outside of the norm forced our communities to think differently and push our societies to become more inclusive.”

“Being queer gives me a safe medium for me to be comfortable not conforming to any gendered attire. I like to put people on edge (in a good way), make their heads turned and brows raised. Grunge and punk cultures, especially living in London, always inspire me fashionably. Being non-binary provides me the perfect place to fuse queer and grunge subculture together – edgy yet dark.”

“Queer strength for me means fighting for more than just acceptance. Queer family is bigger and stronger than all the hate can ever be — and that gives me so much hope for the future. The beautiful thing is that chosen family is always growing and hopefully always will, so humans that need family can find people loving them exactly how they are.”

“I like to experiment with conventional notions of male fashion, to provide an alternative lens through which to view gendered clothing. When I started to integrate DM’s boots and shoes into my personal style, I found a strong sense of comfort with them because of their androgynous appeal and their roots in alternative styles — they’ve become a staple choice.”

“My community doesn't just shape my style — it shapes me as a person too. Many of my friends and chosen family are quite expressive, creating a safe space for me to express myself too. While being queer doesn't always mean “looking queer”, I've noticed many of us find our personal style outside mainstream influences, given that we already defy societal norms in many ways.”

“As a queer person I learned from to early what it means to stand out from the crowd. My community made me understand that being different makes me free to express myself authentically without feeling judged. I really appreciate the people who create space for people like me to enjoy ourselves.”

“My style is just my way of expression — it is the tool that gives me the most freedom to communicate who I am and perfectly reflects my personality. My strength as a queer person has always been my self-confidence. Belief in who I am. Belief in myself. No matter what others say I always feel safe, and respect others no matter what our differences are.”

“Anyone that is part of the community knows the everyday social struggles we face, and the conflict within ourselves to feel free to be who we are. People who share your experiences can help and understand. Together we are stronger.”

“I use my clothes and accessories to express my difference. I don’t want to be just anyone, and I don’t want to look like just anyone — I want to look like myself. I definitely have some emotional connections to my punkier outfits, they remind me of 12-year-old me, she would be so proud to see where I am and who I am today.”

“The strength of the queer community stands resilient against discrimination and inequality. Together, our voices resonate louder, advocating for acceptance and equality. Through solidarity and support, we cultivate spaces where everyone can flourish authentically. Our diversity is our greatest asset, forging connections that uplift and empower everyone, nurturing resilience, and unity.”

“The real strength of the queer community is that it has brought a voice from outside and made it powerful. Today, as in the past, our strength is our tenacity to try to teach future generations that being "different" is beautiful and that the concept of "normality" changes from individual to individual, and only we can decree what is right and what is not.”

“The community has played a significant role in breaking down gender norms and beauty standards. One of the most notable changes is the acceptance that clothing has no gender and that there are fewer restrictions on self-expression. This has not only influenced how I express myself but has also helped me find my unique fashion style.”

“As a masculine-presenting woman, my style is a deliberate choice that allows me to express my identity and personality. By dressing in a way that challenges traditional gender norms, I make a statement about individuality and self-expression. My style choices hold emotional significance for me because they represent my authentic self and enable me to navigate the world with confidence and pride.”

“My community gives me even more of a reason to express who I am. When you raise your voice, you also speak up for hundreds of others who are still on their journey of getting to know themselves and finding out who they want to be but feel trapped by fear or danger.”

“I use my style to articulate how I’m feeling on a certain day and use it as an extension of my personality. I love bright colours and pattern clashes that show I’m not afraid to be different and speak out about my beliefs. Being different from other people should be celebrated — our self-expression makes us so interesting as humans.”

“Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community has really influenced how I express myself. With the support and understanding I find there, I feel more free to be myself without judgment. It's allowed me to explore different facets of my personality and feel more comfortable in my skin. It's given me the courage to show the world who I am without worrying about social norms or other people's expectations.”