The faces of Pride 2022
In celebration of Pride 2022, we gave our platform wholly to an interconnected community of young London queer activists and creative forces. They produced the shoot with complete freedom and fluidity in Stella McCartney Spring and Summer 2022 pieces, brought together and styled by Mina Galán. They reconnect with nature in East London to capture a sense of infinite strength – reclaiming a space not normally associated with the urbanity of the queer community, creating a radical dichotomy of visuals and tones.
Every person involved in our Pride 2022 shoot identifies as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. It was shot by photographer Jacqueline Landvik and features Mina Galán, Coumba Samba and Mikey Mendoza.
Mina Galán, Stylist
What do you do?
“Well, I do many things... Mainly I’m a fashion stylist, and I have my shop where I sell vintage clothes and homeware.”
What is a cause you care about?
"Anything related with trans identities."
How do you feel about everything that’s happening with the trans community?
“It’s devastating, but as sad as it sounds you get to a point that you are no longer surprised by injustices. You get used to this feeling of constant injustice and the policing that we have to face with our bodies on a daily basis. That’s when people that are part of our lives that aren’t trans have to step in and really use their privilege to fight for us – not only to stand by us and be allies, but to speak up and act on those injustices. But it is also worth mentioning that as much as society tends to categorise us inside the same box, we definitely do not all share the same experiences since there’s not a guidebook to follow to be trans."
There are so many intersections to the word ‘trans’...
“Yes. And there’s such a stereotypical way to think ‘oh there’s only one way to be trans, one way to exist’. It feels like you need to tick boxes to confirm your identity to the world.”
If you could use Stella McCartney’s platform to tell the world one thing, what would it be?
“Protect and celebrate trans identities.”
To be part of this community means...
“Everything and nothing.”
How does being in nature make you feel?
"I grew up in the countryside, but I am a city girl. However, I am reconnecting with my nature side.”
How does what you wear help you to express yourself?
“It’s my favourite tool to communicate and express who I am.”
Stella McCartney is...
“Rock royalty.”
Coumba Samba, Artist
What do you do?
“I am a graphic designer, student and model.”
How are you connected to the other creatives?
“Mina and I are best friends. We’ve done some professional work together too.”
What is a cause you care about?
“A cause I care about? World peace!”
If you could use Stella McCartney’s platform to tell the world one thing, what would it be?
“Be kind to everyone you meet and kinder to your friends. Spread love and peace, and stop using and buying plastic!”
How does being in nature make you feel?
“Anxious because of all the bugs, but I love a nature and fresh air moment.”
Stella McCartney is...
“Slay.”
Mikey Mendoza, Model
Can you tell me your name and your preferred pronouns?
"My name is Mikey. I go by any pronouns – I’m gender-fluid.”
What do you do?
"I’m a uni student, studying production. I’ve been doing a lot of styling and creative direction projects also. I’m just going with the flow at the moment."
How are you connected to the other creatives?
“I’m friends with Mina, though it’s my first time working with her. And everyone else, we’re kinda all creatives and we’re working together to figure out to do this project.”
What is a cause you care about? And you can say gay rights, if you want!
"More creative opportunities for people from working class backgrounds. Growing up I wasn’t made aware of the variety of creative careers out there. Support your friends! Explore your passions!"
If you could use Stella McCartney’s platform to tell the world one thing, what would it be?
“Encourage people from all backgrounds to pursue their creative dreams! Take the risks if you are passionate.”
To be part of this community means...
“Authenticity and doing whatever you want with no labels or dichotomies.”
How does being in nature make you feel?
“Like time has paused.”
How does what you wear help you to express yourself?
"How I dress is like wearing my heart on my sleeve. It reflects however I’m feeling on the day or the environment I’m in.”
Stella McCartney is...
“A step in the right direction.”
