Pride Edition - Celebrating Creative Identity
La Femme Journal | Issue 04 | June 2025
Hi! I'm Tracy from The Femme Foundry. This is The Femme Journal - a monthly exploration of creative culture, spotlighting the artists, designers, and innovators whose work deserves attention. Thoughtful features, honest insights, and stories that matter.
Editor’s Note:
Hey Foundry Fam,
This Pride month felt different. Quieter. It felt like voices were being silenced when they should have been amplified. But that's exactly why this issue matters.
Pride isn't just rainbow merchandise and corporate campaigns. It's celebration and protest rolled into one. It’s about visibility, voice, and fighting for the right to take up space.
Design has historically been a white, straight, male-dominated field. While that’s starting to shift, queer creatives have always been here. Often overlooked. Often underpaid. Still creating, still showing up. As creative leaders, we need to make sure those contributions are seen, valued, and supported.
I created The Femme Foundry for the ones who don’t fit into the traditional mould. The outsiders. The boundary-pushers. The ones who won’t shrink themselves to fit in.
This month, we’re highlighting the queer creatives who show up with honesty, heart, and courage. Who lead by example and open the door for others.
I’m genuinely blown away by this community. So many of you reached out, shared your stories, contributed resources, and trusted me with your work. Thank you for being part of this. You made this issue what it is.
What you can expect in this edition:
The designer who gave us the rainbow flag and why symbols matter
A Netflix rebrand that actually understands the assignment
The largest professional network for queer voices in design
A South African activist whose work will blow you away
Two creatives whose fearless art is changing conversations
Apps and platforms building economic power for the LGBTQIA+ community
A directory of incredible queer creatives worth following
A creative challenge that pushes you outside your comfort zone
A reminder that your perspective isn't a limitation - it's your superpower
The Edit: June Highlights
History Spotlight: Gilbert Baker
Gilbert Baker changed everything in 1978 when he designed the rainbow pride flag.
Before Baker's flag, the LGBTQIA+ community was represented by the pink triangle - a symbol the Nazis had used to identify gay prisoners in concentration camps. Baker wanted to create something that represented hope and celebration instead of persecution.
He hand-stitched the first flags with 30 volunteers, creating eight colourful stripes that each had their own meaning. The pink stripe was eventually dropped because the fabric was hard to source, but Baker had already given the community something powerful: a symbol of pride instead of shame.
Baker's dedication to the flag continued throughout his life. In 1994, he created a mile-long rainbow flag to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. During the parade, Baker used scissors to cut segments from this massive flag, distributing them for use in other locations, including a protest march in front of St. Patrick's Cathedral. The flag wasn't just for display - it was meant to be shared and used for activism.
Learn more about Gilbert Baker and the history of the Pride flag at the Gilbert Baker Foundation.
Brand Project Spotlight: Studio NARI
MOST is Netflix's editorial platform for LGBTQIA+ storytelling, and Studio NARI gave it a complete transformation. Editorial edge meets cultural legacy with motion systems, custom Netflix Sans, and bespoke 3D emojis. What stood out most to me was how they integrated rainbow colours throughout without it feeling like a pride flag was just slapped on top.
There's a difference between checking a diversity box and actually understanding the assignment. Studio NARI built queerness into every part of the brand.
"You should never apologise for being exactly who you are."
When you're designing for a community, you need to understand that community’s lived experience. Studio NARI got that right.
You can explore the full case study here: Studio NARI – MOST for Netflix
Community Spotlight: Queer Design Club
Queer Design Club recently rebranded, and it’s one of the most thoughtful, community-led brand evolutions I’ve seen. Co-founders Becca Brooker and John Voss worked with queer designers Molly O'Neill and Ritesh Gupta to create a new visual identity that draws from decades of queer design history. The process wasn’t about chasing trends or performative allyship. It was about honouring the community and building something that felt true.
This rebrand wasn’t just for show. It was an intentional act of preservation and visibility. Every element reflects the lived experiences of queer creatives. As John Voss put it, "We don't have to compromise or shrink our queerness in order to be seen as professionals."
Queer Design Club now has over 4,000 members globally. That makes it the largest professional network for queer voices in design. But they’re not just hosting networking events and calling it activism. They’re amplifying queer creatives and making space for real change.
Their survey of LGBTQIA+ people in the design industry revealed some stark realities:
15% of the design industry identifies as LGBTQIA+
72% have faced discrimination at work
40% have had to flag design decisions that excluded queer people
The work they’re doing goes far beyond branding. It’s cultural documentation, advocacy, and community in action.
Explore the full rebrand story
Queer Design Count - Research
Creative You Should Know: Zanele Muholi
Visual Activism That Matters
Zanele Muholi is a South African visual activist who's spent over a decade documenting Black LGBTQIA+ lives in townships across South Africa.
"I consider myself a visual activist first and foremost because my work has a political agenda. What is important to me is how my work challenges and contributes to society and the place of Black LGBTQIA+ people within it."
Muholi picked up a camera because there were no images that spoke to them when they needed them most. So they created the visual narrative their community deserved.
As a South African myself, their work hits me differently. The photography is exceptional - beautiful, powerful, raw, and so full of emotion. If you haven't seen their work yet, you need to.
Real representation means not waiting for someone else to tell your story. It means grabbing the tools and telling it yourself.
Find them: @muholizanele
Femme Foundry Recommends:
Caitlin Blunnie (Liberal Jane)
I'm obsessed with Caitlin's work. She makes art about reproductive rights and bodily autonomy that's bright, bold, and gets your attention.
The most fearless thing about her work is how she tackles the topics we're sometimes afraid to discuss. She goes straight at the difficult conversations. Her work is powerful and creates real change.
Her website has prints you can buy to support her work, plus some brilliant free colouring pages you can download.
Find her: @liberaljane | liberaljane.com
Jess Bird (Bless The Messy)
Jess's work makes me feel less alone in my own messiness. She's figuring out life with late-diagnosed ADHD and autism, and she brings everyone along for the journey through her art and writing.
Her book "Bless The Messy" is described as "a warm hug that will make you feel a little less alone," and that's exactly what her entire body of work feels like to me. She creates space for the complicated parts of being human when everyone else wants you to have your life perfectly together.
This is definitely a book I want on my shelf. The artwork and writing look truly beautiful. I will be ordering this one.
Find her: @blessthemessy
Bless the Messy: Life lessons from a work in progress - by Jess Bird
App Spotlight: Everywhere Is Queer
Everywhere Is Queer is doing amazing work creating a worldwide map of queer-owned businesses. This searchable database of 18,000+ businesses helps the LGBTQIA+ community find welcoming spaces to shop, connect, eat, and grow - even in your own neighbourhood.
The app and website make it easy to discover queer-owned cafes, shops, salons, and services whether you're at home or traveling. This platform builds real community while supporting queer entrepreneurs. It's practical activism that changes daily life for queer people.
This is the kind of resource that makes you feel less alone, especially when you're in a new city or looking for businesses that truly welcome and understand you.
Check it out: everywhereisqueer.com | @everywhereisqueer
Platform Spotlight: Famm
Famm is building something powerful - a website and mobile app specifically for LGBTQIA+ owned brands, service providers, and professionals. With less than 1% of US businesses being queer-owned, Famm is working to change that by driving business and visibility to these entrepreneurs.
What makes Famm special is their two-part approach. Their main platform helps you easily discover queer-owned e-commerce brands and services in one place, with personal bios and visual profiles so you can quickly connect with brands that align with your values.
But here's what really excited me: Famm Connect - the first invite-only social network designed exclusively for LGBTQIA+ professionals and business owners. It's community care in action, where thousands of members are hiring each other, collaborating, and building genuine friendships while celebrating their identities.
In a time when LGBTQIA+ rights are under attack, platforms like this aren't just nice to have - they're essential for the community's economic empowerment and connection. Go check them out.
Explore: heyfamm.com | @hey_famm
Quick Design Insight
This month reminded me that the most memorable designs aren't the ones following trends. They're the ones that feel like they couldn't have been made by anyone else. Personal perspective isn't a limitation - it's your biggest asset.
Queer Creatives Directory
Here are more queer creatives doing amazing work. I wish I could feature everyone in detail, but for now, here's where to find them and what makes them special.
Designers & Visual Artists:
Aries Moross - Designer and Creative Director championing non-binary and queer representation through bold, unapologetic design. Work that feels fearless and authentic. @ariesmoross | ariesmoross.com
Amelia Mangham - Queer cover artist and children's book illustrator creating all work by hand in watercolour and pencil. Young artist bringing fresh perspective to book illustration. @amelia.art23
Andrea Miralles - Illustrator, designer, and painter inspired by Mother Nature and cultural connections. Depicts joyful moments with rich colour stories while nurturing growing brands to bloom. @andreamiralles.studio | andreamiralles.com
Bethany Ng - Creative Director and illustrator with 15+ years creating bold, joyful visual systems at the intersection of brand design and illustration. Works with leading brands including Nike, Google, and Patagonia. @bethanyng | bethanyng.com
Chelsey Scott (Art Additive) - Lesbian artist and graphic designer with 16+ years creating captivating artwork from graphic design to street art. Co-founder of Art Additive with Aleesha Medina. @art.additive | artadditive.com
Chris S. (Gargoyle Pastures) - Queer illustrator exploring individual perceptions, self-expression, and everyone's capacity for the phenomenal. Art inspired by queer lifestyle, alternative fashion, fantasy, and witchcraft. @gargoyle.pastures | gargoylepastures.com
Chris Campe - Lettering artist, designer, and writer elevating typography to an art form. Makes letters feel alive and expressive. All Things Letters
Gnaski - Nonbinary tattoo artist and multimedia designer in Orlando creating welcoming, inclusive experiences for all clients. Specializes in anime, pop culture, and character portraits. @thegnaski | gnaskitattoo.com
Karina Hagelin (Femme Supremacy) - Artist, educator, and keynote speaker creating colourful, cute, and affirming art for survivors and disabled community. Host of Healing is the Best Revenge podcast. @femmesupremacy
*Kel Lauren - Designer and creative force behind some of the most iconic, community-driven merch out there. The work is bold, thoughtful, and rooted in connection. Every design feels like an invitation to belong.
Also co-host of the Kelliot! podcast and YouTube channel with Elliot Ulm, where they explore design, creativity, and freelance life with humor and honesty. @kel.lauren | kellauren.design YouTube: Kelliot!
Lindsey Cherek - Visual artist creating powerful narratives that challenge and inspire. Work with depth and meaning. @lindseycherekwaller
Hollie Day (Crestfallen Mermaid) - Visual artist crafting dreamy, otherworldly visuals that transport you somewhere magical. @crestfallenmermaid
Photographers & Storytellers:
Jude (Divine Brujería) - Nonbinary queer boudoir photographer tempting clients to take up space and documenting their divinity. Body liberated and trauma informed approach that builds confidence. @divinebrujeria
Trista Maja - LGBTQIA+ wedding and elopement photographer in Los Angeles capturing fun, authentic photos for passionate, rad, queer couples ready to make magic. Embracing your truest, most colourful self. @tristamajaphotography | tristamajaphotography.com
Emma Heubusch - NY-based elopement and wedding photographer capturing genuine love stories. Bi woman-owned business celebrating all couples. @emma_beth_photo
Raya Jade - Queer wedding photographer capturing love in all its forms with warmth and authenticity. @princessraya
M Abeo (Faces of Fortitude) - Storyteller, photographer, and suicide care advocate supporting people through difficult stories and experiences. @facesoffortitude | facesoffortitude.art
Makers & Entrepreneurs:
Annie Bartley - Founder and Creative Director of I Am Female, a queer-led design and branding agency. Building inclusive spaces through thoughtful design. I Am Female
Alanna (Simply Stable) - Lesbian life coach helping LGBTQIA+ individuals build the relationship of their dreams with themselves. Host of Simply Stable podcast chronicling the journey. @simplystablepod | simplystablepodcast.com
Nicole (Your Social Introverts) - Social media manager and creative storyteller for brands that want to be felt, not just seen. Instagram and Pinterest management with a slow, intentional marketing approach. @yoursocialintroverts | yoursocialintroverts.com
Corin Purifoy - Crochet and knit designer who's got jokes about playing with yarn. Brings humor and joy to fiber arts. @i.knit.u.knot
Hollie Arnett (Maker & Moxie) - Branding coach for artists and makers, helping creatives build genuine brands. Host of Brand Your Passion podcast. @makerandmoxie
Follow these creatives, support their work, and let me know who else should be on this list for next time.
Creative Challenge
Create something this month that scares you a little. Not dangerous scary, but "what if people don't get it" scary. Maybe it's using a colour combination you've always wanted to try, or designing something completely outside your usual style. Share it if you want, but make it first and worry about reactions later.
That’s a wrap.
Thank you for being here! This Pride edition was important to me, and I hope it connected you with talented creatives whose work speaks to you. Whether you discovered a new artist to follow or felt seen in these stories, I'm grateful you're part of this community. Let me know which creative blew you away or if there's someone else you think should be featured.
See you next month, gorgeous humans!
Tracy xx
Connect with us on Instagram to see the incredible work from creatives in our community. Want to be featured? Just slide into our DMs. Whether you're sharing your story or want to work together, we love making new connections.