A QUEER HISTORY OF TARTAN TIMELINE
Scotland has dressed the world. Although certain parties would love to claim tartan as a conservative political tool, it has a long history of use by the queer community and allies. From plaid flannel shirts worn by lesbians to Alan Cumming in a yellow tartan suit on Traitors to Grayson Perry in a tartan skirt, tartan is a staple of the LGBTQIA+ community. If you want to help stop Scotland being used for the anti-LGBTQIA+ agenda please register a tartan for your queer business or chosen family with the Scottish Government here.
We have 75 and counting. If you have any photos, suggestions or if you would like to donate any tartan items please get in touch. We are putting together a small exhibition.
2025
Alan Cumming at Tartan Day Parade
Alan Cumming, the celebrated Scottish actor and openly queer icon, has long embraced tartan as a vibrant expression of his identity. In 2025, he served as the Grand Marshal of the New York City Tartan Day Parade, donning a custom kilt by 21st Century Kilts and a jacket by Geoffrey Tailor & Kilt Maker, leading the festivities with characteristic flair. Cumming's affinity for tartan extends beyond ceremonial occasions; he frequently incorporates it into his fashion choices, blending traditional Scottish elements with contemporary style. In the television series The Traitors, he showcased an array of tartan ensembles, collaborating with stylist Sam Spector to create looks that melded classic patterns with modern, theatrical flair.
Cumming's sartorial choices reflect his commitment to authenticity and self-expression. He has described tartan as "very punk and very kitsch at the same time," appreciating its versatility and cultural significance. By integrating tartan into his wardrobe with a “huge collection of tartan suits,” Cumming not only honors his Scottish heritage but also challenges conventional fashion norms, embodying a style that is both personal and political. His bold use of tartan resonates within the queer community, symbolizing a celebration of individuality and a reimagining of tradition.
2025
Alan Cumming - Traitors, in a yellow tartan suit
In his role as the host of the American version of The Traitors, Alan Cumming brings his theatrical flair and commitment to diversity to the forefront. Set in a Scottish castle, the reality competition show features Cumming in elaborate, gender-fluid costumes, adding a campy and dramatic tone that resonates with queer aesthetics. Beyond his on-screen presence, Cumming has actively worked to enhance LGBTQ+ representation within the show's cast. Following the early elimination of a prominent trans contestant in a previous season, he advocated for more inclusive casting, resulting in a more diverse lineup in subsequent seasons. Cumming views the show as a platform to celebrate queerness and challenge societal norms, particularly in times of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ sentiments.
2025
Janelle Monáe in a sculptural tartan blazer & skirt
At the 2025 Costume Designers Guild Awards, Janelle Monáe was honored with the Vanguard Spotlight Award, recognizing her as an artist who pushes creative boundaries and inspires both industry insiders and audiences.
Monáe made a striking appearance in a Viktor & Rolf Fall 2024 Haute Couture ensemble, featuring a sculptural blazer with exaggerated, pointed shoulders, paired with a matching mini skirt. This bold outfit marked a return to her signature black-and-white palette, showcasing her fearless approach to fashion.
Known for her gender-fluid style and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, Monáe's choice of attire at the event underscored her commitment to challenging traditional fashion norms and celebrating individuality. Her presence and recognition at the awards highlight her influence in both the entertainment and fashion industries.
2025
Grayson Perry CBE RA in tartan skirts
Sir Grayson Perry, born on March 24, 1960, in Chelmsford, Essex, is a prominent British artist renowned for his ceramic vases, tapestries, and cross-dressing. His works often delve into themes of identity, gender, and social status, blending autobiographical elements with broader societal commentary.
Perry gained significant recognition in 2003 when he won the Turner Prize, marking the first time a ceramic artist received the award. Beyond his visual art, he has authored books such as Playing to the Gallery and The Descent of Man, and presented television series like All in the Best Possible Taste and Grayson Perry: All Man, further exploring contemporary British culture and identity. Grayson receiving the Freedom to the City of London and on the cover of Country Life Magazine, wearing tartan in both.
2025
Louise Gray, deconstructed tartan skirt-suit
https://www.iamlouisegray.com
Hailing from Fraserburgh, Scotland, Gray graduated from Central Saint Martins' MA Fashion program in 2007 under the mentorship of Professor Louise Wilson OBE. She quickly gained recognition for her vibrant, eclectic designs that blend punk influences with a DIY aesthetic. Gray's work often incorporates bold colors, intricate embellishments, and handwritten slogans, reflecting her commitment to individuality and self-expression. Her collections have been showcased at London Fashion Week, and she has collaborated with brands like Topshop and artists such as Linder Sterling. Beyond fashion, Gray engages in multidisciplinary art, including writing and sound, and co-founded the DIY record label Adrenaline Darling Records to support queer artists. She also teaches part-time at Central Saint Martins, nurturing the next generation of designers.
2024
Eleanor Medhurst, Dressing Dykes in a tartan jacket
https://www.vogue.com/article/eleanor-medhurst-unsuitable-lesbian-fashion
Eleanor Medhurst is a UK-based lesbian fashion historian known for her work exploring queer identity through clothing. She runs the blog Dressing Dykes and published her first book, Unsuitable: A History of Lesbian Fashion, in 2024. With degrees from the University of Brighton, Medhurst has contributed to exhibitions like Queer Looks and Queer the Pier and has been featured in Vogue. She gives talks at institutions like Tate Modern and shares her research widely on social media. Medhurst lives in Brighton with her wife, Lilith.
2024
Billy Porter in a red skirt suit
Billy Porter, born in 1969 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a multifaceted American actor, singer, and director whose career spans theater, television, and film. He gained widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Lola in the Broadway musical Kinky Boots, earning a Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical in 2013 and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in 2014. Porter's role as Pray Tell in the FX series Pose further solidified his status, making him the first openly gay Black man to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2019. In 2022, he made his directorial debut with Anything's Possible, a coming-of-age film centered on a Black trans girl, reflecting his commitment to inclusive storytelling. Beyond his artistic achievements, Porter is a dedicated LGBTQ+ activist. He has been open about his experiences, including coming out at 16 during the AIDS crisis and living with HIV since 2007. Porter uses his platform to advocate for marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation. His activism includes work with organizations like The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and the Entertainment Community Fund. In 2024, he received the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the Tony Awards, recognizing his humanitarian efforts and contributions to the LGBTQ+ community.
2024
Lynks in a full tartan body suit, balaclava and horns
https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/lynks-tongue-in-cheek-queer-bangers-for-the-others-2859982
Lynks is a queer, genre-defying pop artist known for their theatrical performances, satirical lyrics, and bold exploration of LGBTQ+ themes. Emerging from Bristol's indie scene, they have gained recognition for blending electronic beats with sharp commentary on queer identity, hookup culture, and societal norms.
Their debut album, Abomination, released in April 2024, delves into complex themes of queer pride and shame, offering a candid look at modern queer life. Lynks' performances are characterized by elaborate costumes and masks, creating a unique and immersive experience for audiences.
2024
Ewan McGregor in a kilt
Ewan McGregor has had a long-standing connection to queer culture through the roles he’s chosen and the respectful way he approaches them. From his early breakout performance as the glam rock icon Curt Wild in Velvet Goldmine to the heartfelt portrayal of a gay conman in I Love You Phillip Morris, McGregor has brought queer characters to life with sensitivity and charisma. Though he does not identify as queer himself, his willingness to take on complex, queer roles—without reducing them to stereotypes—has earned him a place in queer cinematic history. One of his most significant contributions to queer representation came with his portrayal of legendary fashion designer Roy Halston Frowick in the Netflix series Halston. Produced by Ryan Murphy, the series follows the life of the openly gay designer, from his creative highs to his personal struggles with love, fame, and AIDS-related illness. McGregor’s performance was widely praised,
2024
Suzi Ruffell in a tartan suit
Suzi Ruffell is a British comedian, writer, and actress known for her sharp wit, engaging storytelling, and contributions to LGBTQ+ representation in comedy. Born on January 18, 1986, in Portsmouth, England, she began her stand-up career in 2008 and has since become a prominent figure on the UK comedy circuit, with appearances on shows like Live at the Apollo, Mock the Week, and The Jonathan Ross Show.
Openly gay, Ruffell often incorporates her experiences into her comedy, discussing topics like coming out, relationships, and societal expectations. She hosts the podcast Out with Suzi Ruffell, where she interviews LGBTQ+ individuals about their lives and experiences, aiming to create a sense of community and understanding.
2024
Dior show in Scotland featuring tartan
https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/article/2024/jun/04/feistily-gorgeous-dior-show-renews-auld-alliance-scotland
It is not every Dior show that opens with a skirl of bagpipes, three different ways to wear violet tartan, and a sporran dangling from a belt in place of a clutch bag tucked under the arm. Dior’s first catwalk show in Scotland for 70 years, held in Perthshire on Monday evening, was a feistily gorgeous affair.
Dior has shown strong support for the LGBTQ+ community through inclusive campaigns, transgender representation, and educational programs for staff. The brand collaborates with queer icons, celebrates Pride, and supports initiatives like mentorship for trans youth, making it broadly queer-friendly in both its messaging and internal culture.
2024
Mal Glowenke, Made It Out Podcast in matching tartan PJs
Made It Out is a queer podcast hosted by Mal Glowenke, a Texas-raised lesbian now based in Los Angeles. Each week, Mal engages in candid conversations with queer individuals across the country, delving into topics such as relationships, religion, sex, and culture, all from a lesbian perspective.
The podcast features a variety of guests, including notable figures like Dylan Mulvaney, who joined Mal to discuss her journey with religion and spirituality, from her Catholic upbringing to exploring various spiritual practices. Episodes are available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube.
In addition to the main podcast, Made It Out offers exclusive content through its subscription service, including series like Lesbian Sex 102 and Friends with NO Benefits, as well as solo episodes and direct access to Mal and the team.
2024
Jerrod Carmichael in a plaid shirt
Jerrod Carmichael is a groundbreaking comedian, writer, and actor who reshaped the landscape of stand-up and television with his sharp, introspective humor. He first rose to prominence with his HBO specials and The Carmichael Show, a sitcom he co-created that tackled complex topics like race, politics, and sexuality with unflinching honesty. In 2022, Carmichael made headlines with his Emmy-winning special Rothaniel, where he came out publicly as gay. The special is an intimate, quiet, and deeply personal piece of storytelling—part confessional, part reckoning—filmed in a small club with Carmichael sitting on a stool, slowly peeling back the layers of his identity.
What made Rothaniel so powerful wasn’t just the revelation itself, but the way he revealed it—with vulnerability, tension, and a refusal to tie it up neatly. As a Black gay man raised in a religious, working-class family in the South, Carmichael’s queerness intersects with cultural taboos and expectations that he doesn’t shy away from exploring. His coming out wasn’t loud or performative—it was thoughtful, raw, and quietly revolutionary. He’s since continued to challenge norms in both comedy and culture, shifting from joke-teller to truth-teller in a way that feels both courageous and deeply human.
2023
Wanda Sykes in a flannel plaid shirt
Wanda Sykes is a powerhouse in the world of comedy, known for her razor-sharp wit, bold political commentary, and no-nonsense delivery. She came out publicly as a lesbian in 2008 during a rally in support of same-sex marriage in Las Vegas, shortly after marrying her wife, Alex. While she had been out to family and friends before that, the political climate and the passage of Proposition 8 in California—banning same-sex marriage—pushed her to take a public stand. Her decision to come out wasn’t just personal; it was political, heartfelt, and defiant. It positioned her as one of the few Black lesbians in mainstream American comedy speaking openly about her identity at the time.
Since then, Sykes has continued to use her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, all while staying deeply hilarious. Whether she’s roasting politicians, riffing on the absurdities of parenthood, or talking about her experiences as a Black queer woman in America, her comedy is always rooted in truth. She doesn’t shy away from difficult topics but instead leans in with a blend of intellect and biting humor. As one of the first out Black lesbian comedians to achieve mainstream success, she’s paved the way for others—showing that being funny, political, and proudly queer are not mutually exclusive, but powerfully intertwined.
2023
Ashish sequin tartan shirt
https://wmgallery.org.uk/event/ashish-fall-in-love-and-be-more-tender/
Tartan rendered in sequins shirt by Ashish
Originally trained in fine art, he studied fashion design at Central Saint Martins, London, founding his eponymous label in 2001. Ashish has established a reputation for high-glamour outfits designed in his studio in East London and then hand-made by skilled artisans at his small workshop in Delhi.
Ashish’s practice includes a broad range of cultural and design references, embracing both American and European fashion histories and indigenous textile traditions from across the world. Ashish’s designs often challenge preconceptions of materials and techniques, interrogating the construction of cultural identities and the ways in which clothes send signals about their wearer.
Ashish is openly queer.
2023
Suzy Eddy Izzard in a mini-kilt
Suzy Eddie Izzard is a British comedian, actor, and activist whose career spans over four decades. Known for her surreal, stream-of-consciousness stand-up comedy, she has performed in multiple languages, including French, German, and Spanish. Izzard's acting credits include roles in films such as Ocean's Twelve, Ocean's Thirteen, and Valkyrie, as well as television series like The Riches. She has also taken on theatrical roles, notably performing a solo adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet to critical acclaim.
Identifying as genderfluid and transgender, Izzard publicly embraced she/her pronouns in 2020 and added "Suzy" to her name in 2023, a name she had desired since childhood. She has been open about her gender identity, stating that she knew she was trans from a young age but lacked the language to express it at the time. Beyond her entertainment career, Izzard is a dedicated political activist, having run multiple marathons for charity and actively supporting the Labour Party in the UK.
2023
Sam Jay in a tartan cardigan
Sam Jay, born Samaria Johnson on January 13, 1982, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a trailblazing American comedian and writer renowned for her incisive humor and groundbreaking contributions to the comedy landscape. Raised in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood, she embarked on her stand-up career at the age of 29, quickly gaining recognition for her sharp wit and observational comedy. In 2017, Jay made history by becoming the first Black lesbian writer for "Saturday Night Live," where she contributed to notable sketches like "Black Jeopardy."
Jay's distinctive voice led to the creation of her own platforms to explore complex social issues through a comedic lens. She co-created and starred in HBO's "Pause with Sam Jay," a late-night talk series that delved into topics such as race, politics, and identity in a relaxed, house party setting. Additionally, she co-created and co-starred in the Peacock comedy series "Bust Down," further showcasing her versatility and commitment to authentic storytelling. Jay's work continues to challenge norms and provide insightful commentary on contemporary culture.
2023
Cara Delevingne in a tartan suit
Cara Delevingne is a British model, actress, and singer known for her bold style, breakout fashion career, and roles in films like Paper Towns and Suicide Squad. Openly pansexual and genderfluid, she’s become a powerful voice in queer culture, often speaking out about her struggles with identity, mental health, and internalized homophobia.
Over time, Delevingne has embraced her queerness and used her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. Her Hulu docuseries Planet Sex explores global attitudes toward sexuality and gender, reflecting her commitment to queer visibility. Through her candidness and activism, Delevingne has become an important figure in conversations around fluid identity and queer empowerment.
2023
Jean Paul Gaultier in a kilt
Jean Paul Gaultier is a legendary French fashion designer and a beloved figure in queer culture. Openly gay, Gaultier has long celebrated gender fluidity and nonconformity in his work, famously putting men in skirts, embracing androgyny, and casting queer, trans, and non-traditional models in his shows. His bold, playful designs—like the iconic cone bra worn by Madonna—have become enduring queer symbols. Gaultier’s long-term partner, Francis Menuge, was a key figure in his early career before passing away from AIDS-related complications in 1990. Deeply influenced by love, loss, and liberation, Gaultier's work continues to champion queerness, diversity, and joy in fashion.
2023
Gateways Grind BBC documentary
The Gateways Club, nestled behind a discreet green door on Bramerton Street just off the King's Road in Chelsea, was a cornerstone of lesbian nightlife in London from its inception in 1931 until its closure in 1985. Initially a mixed-gender venue, it evolved into a women-only space under the stewardship of Gina Ware and her partner-in-all-but-name, Smithy. The club offered a sanctuary for queer women during times when societal acceptance was limited, providing a space where they could express themselves freely and build a community. Its cultural significance was highlighted in the 1968 film The Killing of Sister George, which featured scenes shot inside the club, offering a rare glimpse into lesbian nightlife of the era.
In 2022, the BBC aired Gateways Grind, a documentary presented by Sandi Toksvig and directed by Jacquie Lawrence, shedding light on the club's rich history. The film features interviews with former patrons who share personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of the club's atmosphere and its role as a haven for lesbian women. The documentary not only celebrates the club's legacy but also underscores the importance of preserving LGBTQ+ history, highlighting how spaces like the Gateways were vital for community building and self-expression during times of widespread discrimination.
2023
Mary Portas in a tartan suit
Mary Portas, often dubbed the "Queen of Shops," is a renowned British retail consultant, broadcaster, and author who has significantly influenced the UK's retail landscape. Beginning her career with roles at John Lewis, Harrods, and Topshop, she rose to prominence as the Creative Director at Harvey Nichols, where she revitalized the brand's image and retail experience. In 1997, she founded her own agency, Yellowdoor, later rebranded as Portas, which has worked with high-profile clients like Louis Vuitton, Swarovski, and Mercedes-Benz.
Portas is also known for her television work, including the BBC series Mary Queen of Shops, where she helped struggling boutiques transform their businesses. Her commitment to social causes is evident in her collaboration with Save the Children, creating the "Living & Giving" charity shop concept that combines retail with community engagement. In recognition of her contributions to business, broadcasting, and charity, she was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours.
2023
Reuben Jarvis in a kilt
Reuben Jarvis is a dedicated rugby player and community advocate based in the UK. He is a founding member and Welfare Officer of the Transmanian Devils RFC, an inclusive rugby club that provides a safe and supportive environment for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals to engage in the sport. Jarvis has been instrumental in promoting inclusivity within rugby, organizing initiatives such as fundraising events to support the club's hardship fund, which aims to make rugby more accessible to trans individuals facing financial barriers.
Through his work with the Transmanian Devils, Jarvis exemplifies the power of sports as a platform for social change, fostering a sense of community and belonging for those who have historically been marginalized in athletic spaces. His efforts contribute to a broader movement advocating for diversity and inclusion within rugby, challenging traditional norms and creating opportunities for all individuals to participate and thrive in the sport.
2023
David Hockney self portrait
David Hockney is one of Britain’s most celebrated and influential artists, known for his vibrant use of colour and innovative approaches to portraiture, landscape, and technology. Born in 1937 in Bradford, Yorkshire, Hockney rose to prominence in the 1960s as part of the pop art movement. His iconic swimming pool paintings, such as A Bigger Splash, captured the sun-drenched light of California and helped define his distinctive style — flat perspectives, bold colours, and a deep interest in modern life.
Openly gay since the early days of his career, Hockney's work often explores themes of queerness, intimacy, and male beauty. His portraits of lovers and friends are tender and direct, challenging the conventions of gay representation in art. In recent years, he's continued to experiment, using iPads and digital media to create vivid landscapes, particularly of Yorkshire and Normandy. His ability to evolve while staying unmistakably himself has made him a living legend in contemporary art.
2021
Sandi Toksvig in plaid jacket
Sandi Toksvig is a Danish-British comedian, broadcaster, writer, and activist renowned for her contributions to British media and her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. In 1994, Toksvig made history as one of the first British public figures to come out as a lesbian.
Throughout her career, Toksvig has been a vocal supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, including trans rights. She has expressed a desire to be a supportive figure for the trans community, stating, "I will stand up each time and say no" to anti-trans sentiments. Her activism continues to inspire many within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community.
She often wears tartan on the show Extraordinary Escapes.
2021
Jessica Kirson
Jessica Kirson is an openly lesbian comedian whose identity deeply informs her comedic work and public presence. She frequently draws upon her experiences as a lesbian, along with her Jewish upbringing and journey to sobriety, to craft a comedic style that is both personal and relatable. Her performances often blend vulnerability with sharp wit, allowing her to connect with diverse audiences. In interviews, Kirson has discussed her family life, including her role as a mother and her experiences navigating relationships within the LGBTQ+ community.
Beyond stand-up, Kirson has contributed to projects that highlight LGBTQ+ experiences. She produced and appeared in the documentary Hysterical (2021), which explores the lives of female comedians, many of whom are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, her podcast Disgusting Hawk and various social media platforms serve as outlets where she discusses queer identities and relationships with humor and candor.
2021
Prickly Thistle weaving mill tartan for Alan Cumming and Miriam Margoyles
This tartan was created in the name of Alan Cumming and Miriam Margoyles to celebrate their 2021 ‘Lost in Scotland’ tour spent reconnecting with their roots… and visiting our mill being part of it. Aliam is a weaving together of their names, which reflects the warp and weft of a tartan cloth.
Alan Cumming and Miriam Margoyles are both openly queer.
2021
Fred Perry tartan collab with Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY
https://www.fredperry.com/subculture/articles/charles-jeffrey-loverboy-launch
Fred Perry may be rooted in British sportswear and mod culture, but it has long intersected with queer identity—particularly through its ties to subcultures and gender expression. Its iconic polo shirts, sharp tailoring, and use of tartan have made it a symbol of rebellion, self-styling, and fluid masculinity. Most notably, the brand’s 2021 collaboration with Scottish designer Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY marked a bold embrace of queer aesthetics. Jeffrey, who is openly queer and known for his punky, theatrical designs, reimagined Fred Perry staples with tartan kilts, ruffled knits, and playful, gender-nonconforming silhouettes.
Fred Perry’s clothing has also been embraced by queer people navigating intersecting scenes: mods, punks, Northern Soul, and skinhead revivalists. While some subcultures tied to Fred Perry have had complicated politics, queer wearers have always reclaimed space within them—using fashion as resistance and self-expression.
2021
Dita Von Teese in a tartan dress
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2021/sep/29/dita-von-teese-bondage-burlesque-night-strictly-metoo
Dita Von Teese is widely regarded as a gay icon, thanks to her theatrical style, dedication to glamour, and deep connection to queer aesthetics and communities.
At the heart of her appeal is camp — the exaggerated, stylized femininity she performs through corsets, vintage gowns, and signature red lips. As the modern queen of burlesque, Dita revived an art form that’s long been intertwined with queer nightlife. Her performances aren’t just sexy; they’re powerful, self-authored, and rooted in fantasy — all values deeply aligned with queer culture.
Dita has also been a visible and consistent ally. She performs at Pride events, collaborates with LGBTQ+ artists and designers, and is vocal about her support for queer rights. What truly makes her a gay icon is the sense of liberation she represents: the power to choose your identity, style, and sexual expression unapologetically.
2021
Holly McNish playing tartan bagpipes
Hollie McNish is a British poet and spoken word artist whose candid, witty, and often deeply moving work explores themes of sexuality, motherhood, class, and identity. Born in Reading to Scottish parents, McNish has strong ties to Scotland and now lives part of the time in Glasgow. Though not Scottish by birth, her heritage and current home have helped shape her voice, which often speaks to working-class and marginalised experiences with humour and raw honesty. While she doesn’t identify as queer, her work resonates with many in the queer community for its inclusivity, emotional openness, and rejection of societal norms—offering a space where vulnerability and resistance coexist.
2021
Lil Nas X in a tartan skirt
Lil Nas X, born Montero Lamar Hill, is a groundbreaking artist who has redefined queer visibility in mainstream music and fashion. In June 2019, during Pride Month, he publicly came out as gay, making him one of the first Black male artists to do so while topping the Billboard charts with his hit "Old Town Road". His openness about his sexuality has been both celebrated and scrutinized, but he remains unapologetic, using his platform to challenge homophobia and promote self-acceptance.
Fashion is a key element of Lil Nas X's expression of identity. He has embraced gender-fluid styles, notably wearing a red plaid skirt paired with a boxy ecru blazer and combat boots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, an ensemble from Virgil Abloh’s Fall 2021 Louis Vuitton collection. This look, reminiscent of traditional Scottish kilts, exemplifies his commitment to breaking gender norms and celebrating queer aesthetics.
Through his music, fashion, and public persona, Lil Nas X continues to inspire and empower the LGBTQ+ community, challenging societal expectations and advocating for a more inclusive world.
2021
Jacqueline Toboni looking fabulous in tartan
Jacqueline Toboni is an openly queer actress who has consistently used her platform to advocate for authentic LGBTQ+ representation in media. She has expressed that coming out was one of the best decisions of her life, emphasizing the importance of visibility and representation for the queer community.
Beyond her acting roles, Toboni engages in activism by participating in discussions and interviews that highlight the need for diverse and accurate portrayals of queer individuals. She has spoken about the significance of chosen family and queer role models, particularly in the context of her character Finley's journey on The L Word: Generation Q. Toboni's commitment to these themes reflects her dedication to fostering understanding and acceptance within and beyond the LGBTQ+ community.
2020
Charles Jeffrey Loverboy tartan creations
https://charlesjeffreyloverboy.com/pages/lookbook-aw20
Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY is a fashion brand and club night, founded by Scottish designer and artist Charles Jeffrey, that blends fashion, art, and nightlife. The brand is known for its playful, punk-inspired designs, queer themes, and strong visual identity, drawing inspiration from London's nightlife and Jeffrey's Scottish heritage. Tartan features in most of his collections.
Charles Jeffrey Loverboy is openly queer.
2020
YUNGBLUD in a kilt
YUNGBLUD, born Dominic Richard Harrison on August 5, 1997, in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England, is a British singer, songwriter, and actor known for his genre-blending music and outspoken advocacy for individuality and inclusivity. His work often combines elements of alternative rock, pop punk, and hip-hop, addressing themes of mental health, identity, and social issues. In a 2020 interview with Attitude magazine, YUNGBLUD publicly came out as pansexual and polyamorous, expressing his attraction to people regardless of gender. He credited his former relationship with singer Halsey for helping him explore and understand his sexuality.
YUNGBLUD's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community is evident in his music and activism. His song "mars," inspired by a trans fan's story, highlights the struggles and triumphs of gender identity and acceptance. Through his art and public platform, YUNGBLUD continues to advocate for a world where everyone can express themselves freely and authentically.
2020
Wink - short film, punk tartan
Wink (2020), directed by Abel Rubinstein, is a vibrant and rebellious short film that captures the spirit of queer punk culture in the UK. Produced by BBC Arts and ICA as part of the New Creatives initiative, the film follows a group of queer punks who find solace and community in their local pub. Their sanctuary is disrupted when a group of normative heterosexuals takes over the space, prompting protagonists Tate and Bunny to lead a mission to reclaim it.
The film's production design, led by Ashton Attzs, and costume design by Aziza Kadyri, contribute to its distinctive aesthetic, reflecting the DIY ethos of punk culture. With a runtime of just three minutes, Wink delivers a concise yet impactful narrative that celebrates queer identity and resistance. Its energetic storytelling and stylized visuals make it a standout piece in contemporary queer cinema.