7 Queer Brands Doing the Work to Make Fashion Visibly More Inclusive

Stoney Michelli Love is the CEO and founder of Stuzo Clothing, but the African-Panamanian self described "renaissance woman" does way more than that. She is also an actor and photographer, who grew up in the Bronx, NY, but moved to LA before starting Stuzo, which includes graphics and awesome basics at an affordable price point. "Our pieces are gender free as we prefer to call them because clothes don't have any organs last time we checked," reads the brand's mission statement. Is that not the best thing you've ever heard?

Image Source: Courtesy of Stuzo

Every collection we create . . . "comes from our beliefs within. My inspiration for our last collection, Free By Nature, was the very idea that we are all born free. We made it all neutral colors, as we ourselves give the clothes vibrancy with individual, inner style."

Jada Pinkett-Smith [above] and Lena Waithe wearing Stuzo . . . "brought tears to my eyes. Seeing them wear our brand on different occasions has been very affirming. They both have walked their own way in their industry and that resonates with me in every way. Jada was the reason I got into my first love — acting! This love took me down a road of numerous crafts in the arts which would lead me to fashion. It's a real full circle moment for me to dress someone that not only impacted me, but continues to live their truth in the process."

Coming into fashion as an LGBTQ+ designer . . . "has served me well. Deciding to be who I truly am has proven that people take to authenticity more than a mask. Working with other brands that have welcomed us on their runways and platforms has been the best induction we could ask for. Many thanks to DapperQ and bklyn boihood to name a few. Being an LGBTQ+ fashion designer in this day and time is being a fearless leader. We set the tone for those to come after us and spark flames in those who currently want to inspire the same type of change that we want to see and create. It's an important title that we cherish and we ensure that we're playing our parts with integrity."