Gayety

Tag: Zaya Wade

  • 7 Black Queer-Owned Brands to Celebrate This Juneteenth and Beyond

    7 Black Queer-Owned Brands to Celebrate This Juneteenth and Beyond

    Juneteenth is upon us, and it’s not just a day off, it’s a call to honor liberation by investing in the communities that continue to shape culture, style, and resistance. For generations, Black Americans have marked June 19 with joy, remembrance, and activism. The holiday commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas finally learned of their freedom, two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation.

    While Juneteenth only became a federal holiday in 2021, Black communities have long treated it as sacred. And this year, there’s a powerful way to celebrate: by supporting Black queer-owned brands whose visions are as vibrant and boundary-breaking as their founders. These seven entrepreneurs aren’t just making products, they’re building legacies.

    1. Automic Gold: Everyday Jewelry, Every Gender

    Automic Gold is rewriting the rules of fine jewelry. This queer- and trans-owned brand handcrafts every piece in recycled 14K gold and ethically sourced gemstones. Think minimalist rings, delicate chains, and custom nameplates that affirm your identity with a bit of sparkle. Their gender-free approach makes accessorizing a joy, whether you’re stacking up or keeping it subtle.

     

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    A post shared by AL Sandimir (@automicgold)

    2. BLK MKT Vintage: Curated Black Nostalgia

    In Brooklyn, partners Jannah Handy and Kiyanna Stewart turned a passion for collecting into BLK MKT Vintage, a treasure trove of Black history and culture. From rare books and retro vinyl to ’70s tees and radical zines, each item feels like a time capsule. It’s not just décor, it’s preservation with a purpose, spotlighting Black queer stories that deserve to be seen and celebrated.

     

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    3. Chef Joya: Soul Food, Reimagined

    Charlotte’s own Chef Joya is proof that vegan doesn’t mean boring. A proud Black lesbian, Joya’s culinary creations blend soul food with Afro-Caribbean, African, and French influences. Her plant-based dishes have earned love from celebrities like Fantasia Barrino and thousands of fans across the South. This Juneteenth, why not add a little plant-based love to your plate?

     

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    A post shared by CHEF JOYA (@cookingwithjoya)

    4. K.NGSLEY: Style as Revolution

    Launched in 2020 by Nigerian-American designer Kingsley Gbadegesin, K.NGSLEY isn’t just a fashion label, it’s a movement. The brand’s genderless silhouettes celebrate queer, femme, and trans bodies with unapologetic confidence. With fans like Lil Nas X and Zaya Wade, K.NGSLEY proves that style can be both political and personal. The brand also reinvests in grassroots organizing and mutual aid efforts, making fashion a force for liberation.

     

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    A post shared by KINGSLEY (@k.ngsley)

    5. A Tribe Called Queer: Streetwear That Speaks Up

    If you’re looking to make a statement, A Tribe Called Queer has you covered, literally. Founder Chance Jones created the brand to merge fashion and activism, with streetwear that champions Black queer visibility. Their bold prints, cheeky slogans, and unapologetic pride aren’t just stylish, they’re a rallying cry.

    6. Inkwell Fine Art Prints: Stories for Your Walls

    Jason Hodges, a proud Black gay artist, launched Inkwell to make fine art more accessible, and more representative. The brand’s prints are vivid, powerful, and deeply rooted in themes of freedom, legacy, and queer joy. It’s not just wall art—it’s a statement of pride, resilience, and reclamation.

    7. A Rainbow in Your Cloud: Affirming Your Space

    Jenn Thompson founded A Rainbow in Your Cloud to infuse home goods with heart. Think throw blankets, art prints, and décor that blends softness with strength. Her designs layer gentle pastels with empowering affirmations, turning any space into a personal sanctuary.

     

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    Celebrate With Intention

    Juneteenth is more than a history lesson, it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Supporting these Black queer-owned businesses isn’t just feel-good consumerism; it’s a meaningful way to honor the resilience, creativity, and leadership of communities that have always shaped the culture.

    So this June 19, and every day after, shop with purpose, uplift Black queer voices, and let your dollars do the talking.

  • Zaya Wade Says She’s ‘Never Been Happier’ Since Starting Estrogen

    Zaya Wade Says She’s ‘Never Been Happier’ Since Starting Estrogen

    Zaya Wade, the 17-year-old transgender daughter of former NBA star Dwyane Wade and actress Gabrielle Union, is opening up about the joy and confidence she has gained since starting estrogen as part of her gender-affirming care. In a recent interview with Seventeen magazine, Wade discussed how her happiness has skyrocketed, bolstered by the unwavering support of her parents and her ongoing work with Translatable, a nonprofit she co-founded with her father aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ youth and their families.

    Wade has become an influential advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, using her platform to inspire others while working on projects that benefit trans and queer people. One of her most significant accomplishments has been the creation of Translatable, which serves as both a resource hub and support network for trans individuals and their loved ones.

    Embracing Change and Confidence

    “I’ve never been happier than how I am on estrogen,” Wade told Seventeen. “I just feel so perfect. I’m entering a new era this year—an era of so much more confidence in myself and in my body.” Wade shared that she’s now embarking on a journey of personal growth, not just for herself, but also for the community she represents.

    Zaya Wade, who came out as transgender at age 12, has since achieved several career milestones. These include serving as a runway model for Miu Miu, collaborating with fashion brands such as Puma and Warby Parker, and becoming a social media influencer with a strong following.

    She credits her parents, especially her father, Dwyane Wade, for providing the support and acceptance necessary for her to flourish. Wade noted that her father’s openness has helped shift perceptions, particularly in Black communities where acceptance of queer identities can be more complicated. “Especially as an African American male, to be so openly and outwardly accepting… him being raised in a traditional Black household in Chicago, the culture there isn’t very queer-friendly,” Zaya Wade shared.

    Empowering LGBTQ+ Youth

    Zaya’s dedication to helping others is evident through her work with Translatable, which she co-founded in 2024. The nonprofit aims to provide resources for LGBTQ+ youth, parents, and families, ensuring they have access to the support they need to navigate their journeys. “I’m hopeful about [Translatable’s] ability to hold space for not just the trans community but the rest of the queer community,” she said. “So many people have already interacted with it, and we’ve gotten so much love.”

    Translatable is working to collaborate with additional brands and organizations, some of which Zaya has personally benefited from. She believes these collaborations will help expand the reach of the organization and provide even more resources for marginalized communities.

    Zaya’s advocacy extends beyond her nonprofit. She has become a key figure in public discussions about trans rights, especially in the face of growing legislative challenges. While she admitted that the recent presidential election left her feeling discouraged, she quickly regained focus. “It’s time to roll up my sleeves and keep going,” she said.

    Family Support and Future Aspirations

    A significant part of Zaya Wade’s journey has been her relationship with her father, Dwyane Wade, who has become a prominent ally for the LGBTQ+ community. Zaya believes his advocacy, especially as a Black man, can inspire others to learn about and embrace queer identities. “I hope [my father’s public support of me] will continue to inspire people to allow themselves to learn and understand queerness before bashing it,” she said.

    The bond between Zaya and her father is also evident in their shared interests. They enjoy watching the LGBTQ+ teen romance series Heartstopper together on Netflix, and Zaya humorously shared that her dad tends to intimidate those interested in dating her. Despite his towering height and commanding voice, she described him as a “teddy bear” once you get to know him.

    Looking ahead, Zaya Wade is currently applying to colleges and universities where she can safely express her Black and queer identities. She hopes to find a place where she can build community and continue to strengthen the queer community across the country.

    A New Era of Self-Expression

    Zaya’s self-expression extends to her social media presence, where she has become an influential figure. She shares her projects, collaborations, and personal fashion choices with her audience, but she also emphasizes the importance of her cosmetic routine. “When my mascara is on and my eyebrows are done, no one can stop me. I’m at the top of the world,” she said. “And if you give me the right kind of lip gloss combo, I’m me. I’m me!”

    Makeup and hair are vital elements of Zaya’s identity and self-expression. “That’s my heart and soul expression,” she said. “And now the whole world gets to see my face the way that I see my face.”

    As she continues to navigate her personal journey and grow her public presence, Zaya Wade’s influence is likely to only increase. With the support of her family, her community, and her fans, she is charting a path for herself that reflects confidence, authenticity, and a commitment to advocacy.