PRIDE: A COLLECTION OF QUEER STORIES
This year, celebrating Pride felt a little more personal to us. We chose to celebrate by talking to our muses within our own LGBTQ+ community about their lives, why we love them, and what makes them unique. All month long, we'll be sharing their stories here and on Instagram. We hope you love this glimpse into queer stories as much as we've enjoyed recording them!
xoxo,
Team IB
TY MCBRIDE
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Our Founder & Creative Director talks "INTENTIONALLY __________." as a queer brand, his life as a gay man, and pride as a form of protest.
film by: @nicholas_woytuk
produced by: @tigerpup
music: @referendbaron
JEFF VICENTE
Preferred Pronouns: he/him
City: NYC
Instagram: @jeffevicente.NYC
Q: WHO ARE YOU AND WHY ARE WE OBSESSED WITH YOU?
Hi! My name is Jeff Vicente, and I am the Show Production Manager at Brand Assembly. I've been working with Ty and "INTENTIONALLY __________." for about three years now. Brand Assembly is a tradeshow [featuring] a collection of different fashion brands. We [show] apparel––predominantly womenswear––but we're transitioning to doing more gender neutral and unique brands. There are lots of clothing, shoes, jewelry, vintage––we do a bit of everything.
Q: ON A SCALE OF 1-10 HOW PROUD ARE YOU AND HOW DO YOU SHOW IT?
On a scale of 1-10, I am an 11. I am so proud of who I am and who I've become. I am proud of the heritage of our forefathers and mothers and everybody included who have sort of paved the way [for me], and I hope that I can do whatever little bit I can to pave the way for the next generation of queer people to be really proud and really express themselves.
Q: WHO IS YOUR GAY ICON?
If we're going to speak about gay icons, I can't not mention my QUEEN Madonna. Madonna is somebody who has constantly been a presence in my life. She has provided a soundtrack to my life––the way that she lives so voraciously and with such determination and grit. Her favorite motto, "Absolutely no regrets," is one that I live with. You know, we make mistakes along the journey––especially in the queer community. We weren't always given the roadmap or the rules, so we've got to learn how to bend them, make mistakes, and learn from them. That's why I love my queen Madonna.
Q: IF YOU COULD ADD ONE SONG TO OUR PRIDE PLAYLIST, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
It's a Madonna essential and Madonna classic––it is Express Yourself.
Come on, girls
Do you believe in love?
'Cause I've got something to say about it
And it goes something like this...
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUEER SPACE IN YOUR CITY?
One of my favorite queer spaces in New York City is the Christopher Street Pier. It is a storied, historic place. I came out when I was twelve–I started going out in the city when I was 13 ... Christopher Street has definitely gone through some transformations, and I do remember when it was itty bitty, nitty and gritty, and dirty and fun, and now it's just this beautiful, open green space. And the summertime [it's] just a great place to check out the boys in their Speedos...and just hang out and have picnics and enjoy the water. So, I love it there.
JOSÉ HERNANDEZ
Preferred Pronouns: he/him
City: South Gate, CA
Instagram: @eseveco
Q: HOW ARE YOU CONNECTED TO INTENTIONALLY BLANK?
I'm actually connected to "INTENTIONALLY __________." through (obviously) social media, but a few years back I was invited to a birthday thing by the founder, Ty, and that's where I met the IB team. Everyone was so sweet and so welcoming, and it was just a fun time. Since then, I've been a fan of the brand, a fan of the team, a fan of the overall mission and of course the IB aesthetic.
Q: ON A SCALE OF 1-10 HOW PROUD ARE YOU AND HOW DO YOU SHOW IT?
I'm gonna say I am a 21, and I only say that because I came out when I was 21, and I think it's taken time for me to fully come to terms with who I am as a person, who I am as a gay man, and just accept myself fully, fully, fully for who I am.
My parents are way older than [other] people's parents my age. For reference, my dad is 77 and my mom is 75, and they're super Catholic. Like––I have my confirmation done––everything, you know, the whole Catholic handbook...I checkmark everything. And I feel like it was hard for me to come out. It took time––I'm going to say like six years after coming out––to fully feel like I was accepting of myself, more than anything. Even though I had come out, I still felt like I was reserved, I was not comfortable fully showing myself to the outside world. I think it took time for me to dig deep and see how beautiful all the qualities I have are.
I think a majority of the time I show it by the way I dress and just the way I treat others. A lot of my friends say I have tía quality to me, and I think that’s because I grew up with a lot of women and learned a lot from them. That’s how I treat people, and I think that’s how I show others how proud I am. I let them know that it’s a safe space when you’re with me. Girl––you can do whatever you want. I’m not going to judge you. If anything I’m going to make sure you are GOOD. So definitely on a scale of 1-10, now I can say I’m a 21. I am here, I’m queer, and you’re probably used to it by now.
Q: YOU ARE GOING TO A HOUSE PARTY. DO YOU BRING THE HUMMUS PLATE OR THE BOOZE, AND WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT YOU?
I love house parties, so I love this question. Obviously hummus, yes because I’m vegan. But definitely what I’ll bring to the party is a bottle of tequila, a bag of limes, and a large bag of Takis. When you’re dancing, you’re being social (you might hit a joint or two…) you’re feeling yourself and the munchies kick in, nothing hits better than Takis.
Q: WHO IS YOUR GAY ICON?
I know it’s cliche, but it would have to be Britney Spears. And I’m saying that because [Britney] was the first CD that my dad got me, (again––how did you guys not know I was gay?) and I would play it on my Walkman all the time. In the car when we were headed to the mall as a family, they would be playing their own music, and I would just have Oops I Did It Again playing in my headphones. I used to rehearse the dance break from Stronger (with the chair) in the backyard. So she’s my gay icon, and I feel like she’s honestly a sweetheart and an American treasure.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUEER SPACE IN YOUR CITY?
My favorite queer space in the city is Precinct in DTLA. Always a good time and great performers!
Q: IF YOU COULD ADD ONE SONG TO OUR PRIDE PLAYLIST, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
It’s actually not a Britney song! It would have to be Conceited by Remy Ma because even if you don’t know it, once you start listening to the beat, to the lyrics you’re like “wait, this goes off.” It’s Pride season, we’ve got to feel ourselves, we’ve got to feel the fantasy. So that’s the song I would put on the playlist to shut. The. party. DOWN. So do yourself a favor and go listen to it. You’re welcome!
JUAN MIRANDA
Preferred Pronouns: he/him
City: San Francisco, CA
Instagram: @jmibaby
Q: WHO ARE YOU AND WHY ARE WE OBSESSED WITH YOU?
My name is Juan, and I'm a content creator based out of the Bay Area. I know why I'm obsessed with "INTENTIONALLY __________." but I don't know why you're obsessed with me and I would love to find out so––could we talk about that later?
**The answer, reader, is how could we not be?**
Q: HOW ARE YOU CONNECTED TO INTENTIONALLY BLANK?
In 2018, I was working in a boutique that carried IB. I'd always loved the brand and was talking to Ty about hosting a pop up, and we've been friends ever since.
Q: ON A SCALE OF 1-10 HOW PROUD ARE YOU AND HOW DO YOU SHOW IT?
Definitely a 10. I show my pride by educating myself on queer history, and I donate to organizations that support queer youth, but my most outward display of showing my pride is being my truest self, wearing what I want, and holding my boyfriend's hand wherever we go.
Q: IF YOU COULD SEND A MESSAGE TO STRAIGHT WOMEN ON THEIR BACHELORETTE PUB CRAWL TO YOUR GAY BAR, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would say to have fun, please don't try to make out with me, and when they play a Britney song, get out of my way please.
Q: YOU ARE GOING TO A HOUSE PARTY. ARE YOU BRINGING THE HUMMUS PLATE OR THE BOOZE AND WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT YOU?
I'm bringing the hummus plate and the booze. It says I'm one of those "it's better to be overdressed than underdressed" kind of people. Did I mention I'm a Capricorn?
Q: WHO IS YOUR GAY ICON?
I don't know if this counts because she's not gay, but my Mom. And it sounds cheesy, but she's always encouraged me to love myself, to listen to my heart. She's my best friend. She's taught me to be strong, to be compassionate, to be myself, and to love wholeheartedly. She is my icon.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUEER SPACE IN YOUR CITY AND WHY?
Considering naps are one of my favorite, favorite pastimes. I would say my favorite queer space in my city is my bedroom––and more specifically, my bed.
Q: WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST CRUSH AND WHAT IS YOUR PICKUP LINE IF YOU SAW THEM AT PRIDE THIS YEAR?
Am I allowed to say that my biggest crush is my boyfriend Adrian? If so, if I saw him at pride this year, I'd probably say "hey, I know we're not shoes, but I just know we'd make a great pair."
PATRICK CUPID
Preferred Pronouns: he/him
City: NYC
Instagram: @patrickcupid
Q: WHO ARE YOU AND WHY ARE WE OBSESSED WITH YOU?
I am Patrick Cupid! The name alone evokes love. I am women's ready-to-wear designer based in NY and interim member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). In other incarnations, I've been an art curator, models agent, events producer, and worked in interiors. I've made impressions on five of the seven continents and am told my laughter is like an arrow to the heart.
Q: HOW ARE YOU CONNECTED TO "INTENTIONALLY __________."?
Some people take the stairs, but "INTENTIONALLY __________." Founder Ty McBride and I prefer escalators to the top. Since then our paths keep crossing over time and distance. We've each witnessed other versions of ourselves leading up to who we are today. He inspires me.
Q: ON A SCALE OF 1-10, HOW PROUD ARE YOU AND HOW DO YOU SHOW IT?
10––though I wouldn't use the word proud because I am confident. I no longer question or judge myself against false standards or by anyone else's values. I have my won and sometimes that means putting pride on the shelf. I love who I am, and I love people for who they really are when they show it. I mean––I do get the 'Confident Parade' doesn't have the same ring to it.
Q: IF YOU COULD SEND A MESSAGE TO STRAIGHT WOMEN ON THEIR BACHELORETTE PUB CRAWL TO YOUR GAY BAR, WHAT WOULD YOUR MESSAGE BE?
Check your inhibitions at the door.
Q: YOU ARE GOING TO A HOUSE PARTY. ARE YOU BRINGING THE THE HUMMUS PLATE OR THE BOOZE, AND WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT YOU?
The Drinks Always!! 1. I am a very god cook and don't need the drama of outdoing the host. 2. Showing up to a house party empty handed is just rude. 3. Parties always need more libations; there is nothing worse than running out halfway through, and I'm considerate.
Q: WHO IS YOUR GAY ICON?
I don't have one personally, though people who are Iconic include Ru Paul, Sandra Bernhard, Diana Ross, Liza, and Sarah Paulson.
Q: WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST CRUSH AND WHAT IS YOUR PICK UP LINE IF YOU SAW THEM AT PRIDE THIS YEAR?
I am the worst at pick up lines. I am 80% Dad Joke punny, which does not work when you're trying to come off hot. As for a crush, let's just say I am good with being single.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUEER SPACE IN YOUR CITY?
Greenwich Village always. New York has changed and is changing again, and we are no longer confided to designated gay spaces. But Greenwich is the beginning and still feels like home.
Q: IF YOU COULD ADD ONE SONG TO OUR PRIDE PLAYLIST, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
WildFire by SALT! It's incredible and speaks to anyone who has felt oppressed. Yes, it's mainly about the civil injustices suffered by Black people across the globe––including amongst our gay siblings. It also touches the heart of those who have the courage to stand opposed to the many forms of prejudice. Also the song is FIRE!
LINDSEY ZILLIOX & ANNA THATSANAPHONH
Preferred Pronouns: Lindsey - she/her | Anna - she/her
City: San Bernardino, CA
Instagram: @louellabasil @theepicureanbunny
Q: WHO ARE YOU AND WHY ARE WE OBSESSED WITH YOU?
Hi, I'm Lindsey of Louella Basil Vintage. I'm obsessed with "INTENTIONALLY __________." because I'm just obsessed with shoes––I have no idea why they're obsessed with me. Probably because I'm obsessed with shoes! And I know Ty likes crazy, wacky styling, and that's what I'm known for. But really what I think they're obsessed with me for is the first time I met the whole group of them, I brought my wife's cooking. I think that's probably why they're obsessed with me.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUEER SPACE IN YOUR CITY?
Well, we live in San Bernardino––there's not a lot of queer spaces, so my favorite queer space in this city is our home. We have good company, great food, cute dogs, and I think we try to create a space that feels safe for anyone to come and be themselves, express themselves, change who they are, learn who they are, embrace who they are––all of that stuff. And also do it unapologetically. I think in any city––large or small––it's hard to find those small spaces where you have that, and we are definitely proud to say that our home is one of those spaces.
TAYLOR JOHNSTON
Preferred Pronouns: they/he
City: Los Angeles, CA
Instagram: @tayy_irl
Q: WHO ARE YOU AND WHY ARE WE OBSESSED WITH YOU?
That’s a good question. Why are you obsessed with me? Let me know in the comments ;-)
Q: HOW ARE YOU CONNECTED TO INTENTIONALLY BLANK?
Well, as a little gay boy, I moved in with Ty when I moved to LA. He gave me a job, and the rest is history.
Q: ON A SCALE OF 1 - 10, HOW PROUD ARE YOU?
She’s a 10 but she’s wearing off-brand Birkenstocks.
Q: YOU’RE GOING TO A HOUSE PARTY. ARE YOU BRINGING THE HUMMUS PLATE OR THE BOOZE, AND WHAT DOES THAT SAY ABOUT YOU?
I’m definitely bringing the booze. Four bottles of wine–two for me and two because I know some of y’all are showing up empty handed.
Q: WHO IS YOUR GAY ICON?
Ty McBride.
Q: IF YOU COULD ADD ONE SONG TO OUR PRIDE PLAYLIST, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Well, I did and it’s Queen by Perfume Genius because gays are nasty little freaks.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUEER SPACE IN YOUR CITY?
It’s going to have to be my home. I mean–the vibes are perfect, cheap wine, and karaoke all night long? Are you kidding me?
