6 Queer Female Creatives You Should Be Following
The month of March is National Women’s Month, a month where us girls get to unapologetically celebrate our womanhood.
What better way to do that than to recognize some creative women who love women? Being a queer female in the creative business and in the world in general comes with a negative stigma. Harassment by male counterparts and rejection because of their style or mannerisms are just a few of the reasons why it can be so hard for queer women to get ahead in the creative industry.
Despite these obstacles, these six badass women are pushing past these odds and showing the world there is room for women artists, despite their sexuality. Whether it be styling, rapping or photography these women are truly amazing at what they do and you should definitely hit that follow button.
READ ALSO: Hayley Kiyoko’s “Sleepover” Is About Falling For Your Bestie
1. Ayishat Akanbi – Stylist
With clients such as Fila, Schoolboy Q and Cher Lloyd, this UK stylist knows style and class. When she isn’t styling look books and editorials, Ayishat also spends her time creating mixes on Soundcloud. Her afro carribbean roots show in her styling. She has a keen eye for color and style and makes her clients look absolutely stunning.
Check out this fashion film Ayishat styled, shot by director and photographer Jelani Pomell.
2. Hurray For the Riff Raff – Singer
This Bronx native has a way of getting you hooked with her sultry folk. She grew up in New York City but her roots and love for music was bred in New Orleans. Along with her beautiful voice, her music videos, highlight the LGBT community. Her newest album “The Navigator” gives off a southern blues vibe which highlights her voice in all the right ways.
3. Elizabeth Wirija – Photographer
Elizabeth creates stunning portraits of women through the lens of her camera. This Indonesian native has a way of capturing the essence of a woman in one single photo. She is also a graphic designer and just released her first documentary called “Underground Art Kids” about the underground artists living in NYC chasing their dreams.
4. Suna Ayako – Rapper
Suna is a rapper based in NYC who has preformed on stages in New York, New Orleans, Baltimore and Philadelphia. Since she has moved to New York, she has been recognized by Urban Outfitters, Teen Vogue and VFILES for her lyricism and melodic beat selection. She recently just released a project called “Nspo Mix Vol. 1” which is available for download on Soundcloud.
5. Cinemadona – Film Producer/ Creative Director
Cinemadona’s client list ranges from PJ Morton (Maroon 5’s keyboardist) to Ambré Perkins to the one and only Beyoncé herself. Cinemadona’s was one of the directors of photography for the video for Formation, from the album Lemonade. And she slayed this project as she does with all of her films. It was only right that Bey include a New Orleans Native to help showcase the city.
6. Imani Love – Poet
At the young age of 19, Imani has won several awards for her writing and poetry and is currently editor of Cunjuh magazine. Her poetry depicts women perfectly and highlights the magic of being a woman of color. Her recent project with n LA videographer highlights the frustration and beauty of black hair.
Kitchen, written and narrated by Imani Love and directed and shot by Takai the Artist.
