DIY-KE STYLE 101:

WORKSHOP 2: Style as Activism

Taking place again at The Hackney Showroom, the second collaboration between G(end)er Swap and Dyke Digital focuses on - Style as Activism.

We discussed and looked into how style has played and continues to play a key role in queer activism while offering affordable and accessible ways to explore their style and gender-affirming-dress within the frame of and for the purpose of - Activism.

This denim jacket displayed above is owned by Emily Witham and showcases her amazing collection of pins and badges.

Photography & Edit by Amy Lauffer Neff

THE WORKSHOP

GALLERY

The day began with a Badge-making workshop from the incredible Emily Witham. Starting-off with an informative and inspiring presentation covering historic queer symbols and their meaning. Afterwards, attendees used this knowledge to go on to make badges that represent them and their own identity. Find below some of the great moments of crafting and learning that were captured.

GALLERY

BADGE PROFILES

CHECK OUT THE AMAZING BADGES MADE BY OUR ATTEENDEES IN THIS ‘BADGE PROFILES’ SPOTLIGHT!

BVTCH BOOTS

GALLERY

Next, after the workshop, attendees visited Bvtch Boots for an informative session and live demo on restorative leatherwork and leather history. Visitors to her stall also had an opportunity to pay for a boot service by donation to Astrid (AKA Bvtch Boots).

ROXY MURRAY

GALLERY

THE MS FASHIONISTA

The final event of the day was a not-to-be-missed seminar with Roxy Murray, AKA The MS Fashionista, on slogans in dress, disability activism, her personal experience in fashion. See her talk and stall set-up captured below.

See above an interactive element of Roxy’s session. After hearing how slogans and wearing words have played a role in Roxy’s activism - attendees had the opportunity to write words which hold meaning for them, in collaboration, upon this electric blue jacket.

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TAKE A READ!

Read our original interviews covering topics such as protest latex fashion, queer illustration and fashion as disability activism!

“My ‘Not Proud to be British’ dress is a culmination of my belief in the power of political dress to make a statement. I wanted to very visibly show my anger, frustration, and disgust at the UK government and also the state of the world, at the things we have.”

— AMY FROM AIMLESS GALLERY

“Dressing can be a way to reclaim your identity from other people’s conceptions of it. It allows you to make your own rules and pave your own path in the world.”

—ROXY AKA THE MS FASHIONISTA

“Whether its a t-shirt, or a sweet jar, a phone case or embroidered patches: creating artwork for a collaborative piece and turning it into something that’s visible and loudly proud, is something I feel is beautifully transformative”