That’s not to say it’s been easy. I’ve been propped up by agencies publicly, then silenced for speaking truth to power. I’ve endured verbal, physical and sexual assault. This industry has taken its toll on so many of us. For every story like mine, there are countless left unwritten.
But I am still here, because that’s what queer people do. And as drag is being banned, and trans lives are more at risk than ever, utilizing the power of creativity to inspire action and protect the next generations is the tool I possess.
Pride for me is about passing it on. The project I want to write about today isn’t my most award-winning, but I’m proud of the impact it made, and I hope sharing it increases visibility.
While serving as creative lead for Decoded LA, we partnered with Gorilla Rx, L.A.’s first Black women–owned dispensary. Activist and founder Kika Keith wanted not just a marketing launch, but an idea the Crenshaw community could rep for years to come. “Black Women Get Us Higher” was our answer: a bold, unapologetic campaign rallying cry to uplift, support and drive business to Gorilla Rx.
We carried that message with a drop of locally made, limited-edition varsity jackets, a massive mural and wild postings featuring powerful portraits of Black women from the community, while OOH QR codes incited folks to join the cannabis injustice fight online.
