POP R!OT is an editorial that takes styling references from the popular 90s girl group, Spice Girls, and embodies each member’s unique persona to promote LGBTQ inclusion and representation in pop culture and media. The creative team seeks to showcase gender fluidity and androgyny in fashion while depicting modern youth. To dive deeper into the personal meaning of identity, style, and expression, the five models also participated in an interview. Read the feature below:
How do clothes influence your expression?
Loejjie: Growing up, I really didn’t have a definite style, but I’ve been wearing a lot of retro pieces recently. I think clothes elevate a part of yourself that you want others to see. In a way, it mirrors someone’s mood or personality at a given time.
Ava: If I like it, I buy it. I didn’t care to be masculine as a man, and I surely don’t care to wear a dress 24/7.
Stephen: Heels have been a huge part of exploring my identity through androgyny. I eventually would like to start wearing nails, wigs, and makeup on a daily basis. Clothes do not have a gender to me!
Aaron: Growing up in Germany, I noticed the clothes I wore always made me stand out. I used to worry about fitting in, but I’d rather wear what I like!
Davide: My parents used to give me a hard time about wearing eyeliner and women’s clothing. I campaign daily to wear what you love because I know how it feels to live without it.
What does freedom mean to you?
Loejjie: Freedom means equal opportunity.
Ava: Being the happy person that you want to be.
Stephen: The ability to explore.
Davide: Living as your authentic self.
Aaron: Taking risks, not living in fear!
How does the lgbtq community shape who you are?
Loejjie: Performing arts has always been a part of my life, and I’ve been lucky to be early exposed to talented LGBTQ individuals who not only gave me awesome career advice, but also remained as dear friends as of today.
Ava: The community has made me a strong transwoman. Knowing the strength I‘m coming from encourages me to take those milestones and live my life to the fullest. The LGBTQ community not only makes me comfortable with who I am sexually, but as an overall human.
Stephen: Growing up in a small Christian farm community in Iowa, I felt everyone was always against me. My gay uncle was a big influence in my life that inspired me to move to New York City where I have found an amazing group of friends that accept me for who I am.
Davide: When I was in middle school, I was heavily bullied and relied on lgbtq message boards on the internet to talk to people like me. After meeting my first boyfriend on MySpace, I found confidence in my identity and never looked back! I live how I want without worrying about what people think of it.
Aaron: As a straight guy, I never saw the lgbtq community as any different from me. I am a proud supporter of my friends.
What does your Spice Girl character embody?
Loejjie: Posh Spice is refined and elegant, never smiles, yet people are still mysteriously drawn and intrigued. Honestly though, I think they cast me as Posh because I have a resting b*tch face.
Ava: Fierce, Power, Success.
Stephen: Ginger is a leader. Like me. I don’t like sitting on the sidelines watching. I like being in on the action! I have a personality that people are drawn to and like to follow!
Aaron: I’m really shy!
Davide: I am a total health nut! Sporty has a lot of energy like I do!
Describe a time when you overcame adversity.
Loejjie: I used to hate my photos taken. I know it might seem like a trifle thing, but building self-confidence is not easy, and I’m quite proud of where I’ve come from.
Ava: Switching from men’s to women’s board was a tough hurdle to get over. Feeling inadequate about my progression compared to cisgender women. But I do it, every day. Nothing will stop me from being happy, successful and loved.
Davide: I was bullied all my life for being gay. From death threats to having songs written about me on the bus, it was a constant battle getting through school. Eventually, I stopped caring and let the world know I was gay. By graduation, I became homecoming king!
Stephen: One of my teachers is in denial that I moved to New York City. Back in Iowa, people didn’t really want me to succeed. Jokes on them!
Aaron: I find myself to be my worst critic. I am constantly working towards proving myself.
What are your contributions to the lgbtq community?
Ava: Teaching that we are not all the same. I walk as Ava and remind people that I am a proud transwoman, but I am Ava, as an individual. I came into the trans world not knowing the stereotypes that the outside world that has put on us. If you fit the stereotype, then that’s that, but always let it be because it’s who you are.
Stephen: I was the Co-President of the LGBTQA Alliance of my school bringing awareness to the community! I am also a part of P Flag in Iowa and try to contribute my best by going to all gay pride events.
Davide: Through media and design, I consciously incorporate LGBTQ references in my work to ensure visibility for the community.
Aaron: I love and support everyone regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation!
What are your feelings towards lgbtq representation in media?
Loejjie: LGBTQ roles are still highly stereotyped, and I think writers, editors and producers are clearly aware of that. There’s a need for a social change to have them take a stand, and take a risk in representing realistic individuals in their work, instead of relying on what’s safe, tested and marketable to the general audience.
Ava: It’s coming together and it’s coming far, but we’re still not being heard. People aren’t listening when we say, “Not everyone vogues, and says ‘girl’.” Allow us to audition for the whole lot, not just the ones “suitable to our lifestyle.”
Davide: An industry person once told me “Leave all the straight acting roles to the straight guys, and the gay roles for the gay actors.” Masculinity should not be a requirement in order to be a male actor. It is a false representation of reality, and being openly gay should not be a career killer.
Aaron: I don’t see many gay people on television. I would like to see more!
Stephen: In modeling, we are more of a novelty than people. We have a long way to go. Many people in media hide their orientation in fear of ruining their career.
What does gender mean to you?
Loejjie: Gender is subjective, but for me it’s a complex emotional experience rather than what manifests or is behavioral.
Ava: I don’t even know anymore. I just like to have respect for someone. I ask what they want to be called and we just go from there.
Davide: I gravitate toward what makes me happy. Gender has no limitations for me.
Aaron: Gender is personal.
Stephen: Gender is my choice. It is not something that is given to me by genetics.
Photography: Stephen DeVries
Styling: Loejjie Estacio
Imaging: Davide Illiano
Follow the models on Instagram: Aaron (@aaronreiche), Ava (@ava.alex.grey), Davide (@davideilliano), Loejjie (@loejjie) and Stephen DeVries (@stephenneptune)
