I remember so clearly putting on my favorite jean jacket to match a pair of my favorite jeans for the next photo I’d anticipated taking. Flashback to me in this well-known industry photographer’s dressing room with pride — ready to be myself, and wear what felt comfortable to get out in the acting market and sell my brand — only for the kind-hearted photographer to break it to me that I had to remove the jacket because it looked “too gay.”
Many of us LGBTQIA performers and socialites trying to break into the industry as professional models/actors/personalities face these qualms and barriers every day — being turned away because “he’s too feminine” or “she’s too mannish.” We don’t fit the mold of what the industry says is beautiful. Like me, local fashion designer Ariq Barrett said he’s seen way too much of it in his career. His idea of bridging the gap between the LGBTQIA lifestyle with the heterosexual one through fashion came about from his interactions with local artists and events, and experiences such as mine.
“It doesn’t mean [LGBTQIA performers] lack talent, it simply means that certain events don’t wish to identify with personality,” Barrett said.
The challenge is to remain true to yourself and your community, pursue your art with purpose and make a living — but also being able to market to mass audiences and be accepted as a household name. So … where do we butchier-studish-type women and flamboyant hip-switching male performers get to shine? If we can’t use their lanes to make it somewhere, as a famous quote goes, we create our own: a third gender, so to speak.
And Barrett — who is the founder, artistic director and producer of the 3rd Genderation Project fashion show and movement — has done exactly that: hold up an artistic umbrella to cover a group of identities that society at large just doesn’t acknowledge.
“They believe in only two genders and this [3rd Genderation Project] brings recognition to a third-gender preference and lifestyle, one without labels and titles,” Barrett said. “We rock with 3rd Gender to represent all walks of life.”
So picture this: natural hair, thicker thighs, all types of queer models, not afraid to step outside of gender roles/identities and bend everything you thought you knew about how a runway fashion show should look. I had the utmost pleasurable experience being able to witness just such an event: a high-class, well-performed and well-staffed show, the 3rd Genderation Fashion Show, Aug. 3 at North American Motor Inn. There was everyone from sweet and sexy femme-role models to burly, rugged, chiseled male-figure models. One in particular stuck out to me: a handsome stud/butch model, Millz Serrano. Being the only Latina face on the runway, she turned heads even more with her edge and grace with handling complicated runway choreography, and being one of two butch models in the show. And Serrano is actually an IT specialist, working tech support as her day job.
“It was so refreshing and exhilarating to be different and be celebrated,” Serrano said. “Unlike in corporate America, where you’re looked at like you have two heads dressing the way I do.”
Serrano spoke of her struggles of finding a job in her male-dominated field, even with her credentials and certifications; she felt her looks held her back. But with this being her third runway show, she now feels more comfortable than ever and said she was grateful for the opportunity to feel her beauty is appreciated. She said she hopes to expose the voices of many others like her. Another clear highlight to me was the theme of supporting our troops — troops being our trans family members, paving the way for us by breaking gender-identities and molds, just like our butch model, Serrano.
So where on earth did this idea come from? Where did German-born fashion designer Barrett get this idea for a dance/fashion/passion show? I’d be remiss in my position as a community leader if I didn’t find out, to inform you where to follow and join in on this amazing movement! So I sat down with Barrett to get the T.
PGN: Thank you so much for holding this show. I love that 3rd Genderation is bridging gaps and making moves to tear down barriers! What is the mission of 3rd Genderation?
AB: The 3rd Genderation was created to encourage, enhance and educate, using a positive light influencing aspiring artists to go further, despite the trials they face for who they genuinely are. We created the 3rd Genderation Project to allow a platform to showcase talents in a judgment-free zone in front of family, friends and allies. Each event is professionally executed with top-notch photographers and videographers to promote and market each artist.
PGN: What is fashion to you? Is it the form/style of expression in which you always saw your life going, from a young age?
AB: Fashion to me is the way to express yourself. People tend to latch on to trends and nice pieces and I’m not that guy. Fashion should always be based on what you find interesting, what speaks to you and what you want to say without words. Fashion is about inner self and no one else’s expectation. When I see people, I dress them mentally. I see everyone as a canvas. Nothing or anyone is too masculine or feminine. I pride myself in androgyny and this is what I love to see come to life on the runway. No restrictions, no rules, no boundaries and lots of creativity and versatility. As a child, I was involved in creative and performing arts; I was a model for Flawless Modeling agency. I went to Freedom Theatre, so the passion for the industry is endless. My parents both were well-versed in the entertainment industry. My father was known for his lead role in “Purlie,” as well as his versatility in mixing modeling, weight-lifting and dance in many competitions. My mother is known locally for her Motown impersonations, like Etta James, and her vocal flexibility, so I get it honestly from them. I must say I’ve been discouraged because of my appearance and been turned away from many events. This is why I felt it imperative to give a platform for those of us who may not “fit in.”
PGN: Where can your fans, friends and fellow fashionistas find you?
AB: You can find me on Facebook at Ariq Barrett, Instagram at Th3rdGenderationProject and on the Web at Th3rdGenderationProject.joosee.com. Or you can email [email protected].
PGN: Is there anything you want young LGBTQIA, or any other young adults and teens, to know about you? Or life and survival in the current generation?
AB: I’m pretty much here to keep the community encouraged. Young, aspiring artists need the support to keep their dreams alive. Everyone wants to be appreciated. I’m not here to change anyone but to encourage, enhance and educate them to go further. N
Looking to get into more positive LGBTQIA events and causes? Come out to the first-annual Q Spot Gala, Sept. 24 at William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St. I, as Ms. Q Spot, will be more than elated to welcome you into the family!
Alice Wills, 21, is a freelance actress who enjoys writing and taking courses at the Spanish Learning School and Koresh Dance Company.