Go for a run. Lift weights. Should I do an undercut hair style, or dye it blue, to look gayer? These are some thoughts that played on a loop in my head for the months leading up to The Dinah 2023. I was deeply intent on being as fit as possible, and going into the weekend with a defined queer aesthetic—the “lipstick femme” or the sporty/punky “ChapStick” queer. I thought I had to look a certain way, particularly to attract a certain type—that I thought I wanted. But it didn’t take long into The Dinah for me to realize none of that stuff actually matters much. That is, at The Dinah, there were ..read more

The annual dapperQ show at New York Fashion Week took place at Brooklyn Museum on September 7 featuring eight designers whose work is rooted is dismantling gender binaries. The show, “Muse,” was the eighth annual iteration of the celebration of LGBTQ+ fashion. dapperQ owner Anita Dolce Vita says that queer fashion is important particularly now in the face of anti-LGBTQ+ laws, including anti-drag laws that attack rights to wear certain clothing. “Queer style has emancipatory potential for all members of society right now and is critical to cover and understand as it pertains to policies that ma ..read more

There are so many exceptional queer-owned brands out there that are breaking new ground and providing solutions to some of the world’s problems. Here are 10 from across different industries to take a peek at during Pride Month.   Black Girl Ventures Founder: Omi Shelly Bell Year founded: 2016 Black Girl Ventures is a company whose goal is to give Black women business owners access to both social and financial capital. Its programs include financial evaluations and funding competitions. In order to achieve business milestones, they are committed to providing women entrepreneurs with acces ..read more

It’s about damn time for comfortable, size-inclusive, gender-affirming undergarments.  Shapewear brand Yitty announced on March 30 that they would be expanding their collection of size-inclusive items to include chest binders and tucking thongs.  Yitty, created by the artist who uses the name Lizzo, was designed to elevate body euphoria for people often excluded by major brands. “I was tired of seeing this sad, restrictive shapewear that literally no one wanted to wear,” Lizzo said in 2022, following the launch of her new company. “I decided to take on the challenge of allowing women ..read more

Destinee Macklin is well acquainted with fate. The detective-turned-seamstress has weathered more than her share of life’s twists and turns. From chronic illness to mental health, Macklin faces her challenges head-on, using her talent as a fashion designer to encourage others to do the same. “I’m not afraid because I know that this was destined. All of this was preordained,” she says. Macklin’s story begins in 2018 when she performed a routine traffic stop while on duty. That night changed her world forever. The traffic stop led to a situation requiring her to chase an armed suspect on foot. I ..read more

It’s been 10 years since fashion designer Alicia Hardesty stole our hearts as a contestant on Project Runway and spoke to us in Tagg’s first issue about her clothing line, “Original Tomboy.” A decade later, she is gearing up to relaunch the line and is continuing to act as a mentor to others in the industry. Hardesty competed on season 10 of Project Runway, placing ninth to Dmitry Sholokhov, who was later also crowned the winner of Project Runway All Stars. During the competition, Hardesty showed off her androgynous style both on and off the runway and cultivated a large group of “Team Alicia ..read more

When Harry Styles graced Vogue’s pages in a floor-length, faded blue gown in early November, social media and pop culture discourse erupted. Most fans were elated and praised Styles for his consistent disregard for gendered, masculinized fashion. In the interview, Styles says, “There’s so much joy to be had in playing with clothes. I’ve never thought too much about what it means.” On the other side were people like Candace Owens, a politically conservative author, who ridiculed the end of “manly men” in a tweet that targeted Styles’ cover. Owens later went on to say during an Instagram livestr ..read more

Company launches Safe Travels! capsule collection for Black History Month In celebration of Black History Month, during the month of February gc2b has partnered with the Black Trans Travel Fund (BTTF) to launch their capsule collection, “Safe Travels”. This limited-edition apparel collection not only seeks to support trans futures, but also promote and center BTTF’s call to action that is dedicated to ensuring Black trans women’s safety. 100% of the proceeds raised through the “Safe Travels” capsule collection will be donated to the Black Trans Travel Fund. The Black Trans Travel Fund is a mut ..read more

LGBTQ women across a broad gender spectrum—masculine, feminine, and everything in between and outside of—are ditching the conventional wedding attire and saying yes to more unique styles. LGBTQ-centric suit companies are thriving in fashion markets, making it easier for our community to find the perfect wedding suit style and fit while shopping in supportive, affirming spaces. Here are six wedding attire companies that will get you dapper for your big day.   Bindle & Keep (Photo: Bindle & Keep) Based in New York City, Bindle & Keep prides itself on bespoke suits for all gend ..read more

gc2b, a prominent LGBTQ-run apparel company, is dedicated to focusing resources on furthering connection, support, and recognition for all. Notably the first company to offer specialized chest binders—designed from experience—for the transgender and gender-nonconforming (GNC) community, their ongoing mission is to provide comfortable, accessible, affirming, and safest apparel for all bodies. This calling motivates gc2b further to provide not just products, but platforms, to marginalized groups. This summer, gc2b’s purpose is centered around supporting visibility for black trans woman and nonbi ..read more