Fashion is integral to self-expression — it’s a medium that allows us to present our personalities, interests and identities in a way that makes us feel bolder and better about ourselves. From quirky fits to experimenting with coloured accessories, style is the perfect way for the queer community to showcase themselves, unapologetically.
This year, we’re continuing our partnership with Sunglass Hut; a brand committed to supporting and uplifting our community. Shiraz Dejbakhsh, a London-based creative, is a fan of androgynous fashion and uses accessories to accentuate their identity: “My favourite Sunglass Hut shades in yellow epitomises my vibrant personality and excitement for the forthcoming summer season. With longer days and sunnier evenings, yellow makes me feel warm as I explore the streets of London.” Alongside their favourite shades, Shiraz has found their sunglasses a perfect “subtle” extension of how they like to present their queerness. “I appreciate how a seemingly simple accessory can profoundly enhance the character of an outfit, often instilling a sense of confidence,” they explain.
For Spanish make-up influencer and TikToker Emilio Miralles, style is substance and all about feeling confident. “Every day feels different for me,” he says. “Somedays I feel classy with lipgloss and the classic Ray-Ban and for some others I’m more of a “moderna de Madrid” with my dyed brows and the blue reflective Oakleys! And that’s a vibe! Blue gives me the confidence to make a statement with every part of my outfit, even if we’re going shopping, or on a simple coffee run”
Sunglasses help Emilio show off his best looks. “Sunglasses give me that “who’s that chick” vibe when I’m walking down the street in a miniskirt feeling like a diva — and what screams DIVA more than a pair of cute sunglasses?” he laughs. “It’s more than just feeling like a diva and empowered, It’s about being someone your younger self would have admired, someone confident, with no fear of standing out and, most importantly, with no shame of who they are.”
Brooklyn illustrator and art director Shanée Benjamin’s favourite Sunglass Hut shade is purple – a tone which boldly embodies her personality is a favourite colour. “Purple glasses add a bit of pop and pizazz to the face! I love the reflection of the colours and the simplicity of the frame!” she says. As for how she likes to represent her queerness, sometimes less is more: “For me, statement glasses are a great way to add personality and experiment with which styles fit you! It’s always a fun surprise trying on new styles!”
Now, with Pride Month upon us, there’s no better time to find the right shade of you. GAY TIMES and Sunglass Hut believe in celebrating queerness, regardless of how it’s framed. So, get ready, get glam and find the shades that make you feel like your emboldened queer self on Sunglass Hut.
