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[title]It takes a lot to launch your own creative presence into the world: Talent, self-belief, sheer hard work—and of course, having something to say. This month, Time Out is championing LGBTQ+ voices by running a month-long Pride Worldwide campaign in the run-up to June 27 as the official media partner for Global Pride and we've teamed up with Squarespace to bring you this showcase of six LGBTQ+ creatives who are leading voices in their communities.
Each of these artists and entrepreneurs use Squarespace to share their story and curate their online presence. If you find yourself feeling a little inspired after seeing their work, feel free to check out how you can get started on building your own website (and use code TIMEOUT for 10% off your first Squarespace purchase!).
Allison Graham
Allison Graham describes her online presence, She Does Him, as a 'Jamaican born lesbian's perspective on Menswear & Life'. On her website and Instagram, you'll find the Brooklyn-based fashion blogger creating super-stylish, unapologetically masculine looks and speaking out against homophobia, transphobia and racism.
Visit Allison Graham's website.
Alok Vaid-Menon
Writer, activist and performance artist Alok Vaid-Menon is pushing boundaries in fields as varied as fashion design, poetry, comedy, prose, performance and portraiture. Their work has been showcased in more than 40 countries. You can (and should) get your hands on their new book, 'Beyond the Gender Binary', this August.
Visit Alok Vaid-Menon's website.
Lola Flash
In her decades-long career as a photographer, Lola Flash has truly cemented her place as a visionary and a voice for LGBTQ+ people (she was part of ACT UP during the AIDS epidemic in New York City, and was featured in the 1989 ‘Kissing Doesn’t Kill’ poster). Her work often centers around queer and marginalised groups as a way of challenging stereotypes around gender, sexuality and race.
Shuga Cain
Drag queen, baker, and a 'RuPaul's Drag Race' season 11 contestant – it's been a big few years for this California-born, NYC-based personality. Right now, Shuga's putting her energy into supporting the Black Lives Matter movement along with fellow RuPaul alumni.
Wednesday Holmes
Wednesday Holmes is a London-based activist, illustrator, designer and writer whose work has led them to become a leading voice in the queer community. Their illustrations, which you can find on Instagram, are as beautiful and colorful as they are fiercely political and empowering.
Visit Wednesday Holmes's website.
Peyton Fulford
With credits like 'The New York Times', 'The Atlantic', 'Gucci' and many more to her name, it's likely you'll be seeing a lot more of Peyton Fulford's work in the years to come. Last year, she showcased her project 'Infinite Tenderness' – a photo series capturing queer culture in America's deep south, where she’s originally from.
Visit Peyton Fulford's website.