Ganni Partners with Artist Richie Shazam to Support Black Trans Lives
Pride is as much a celebration as it is a protest. And though the events that support and publicize the LGBTQ+ community predominantly occur in June (in honor of the Stonewall Uprising), petitioning for civil rights doesn’t—or at least, shouldn’t—stop at the end of the month. Proving this point is Ganni, the Copenhagen-based fashion label led by husband-and-wife duo Ditte and Nicolaj Reffstrup, who partnered with model, artist, and activist Richie Shazam to support organizations championing causes for Black transgender people.
The brand is selling two photographs lensed by Shazam, with 100 percent of the proceeds going toward the Marsha P. Johnson Institute and For the Gworls. Titled Black Trans Lives Matter, NYC 2020 and Self Portrait, NYC 2019, the images showcase forms of defiance—one external, the other more internal. The former is a shot of a Black Trans Lives Matter protest gathering in front of the Brooklyn Museum on July 14, and the latter is a self-portrait of Shazam posing in a jewel-tone sequined halter dress and green snakeskin platform sandals, gazing at the camera with light blue eye shadow and bouffant hair. For Shazam, both represent bucking the status quo.
“During Pride, we celebrate a revolution that was started by people who more or less look like me,” he said in a statement. “Following their example, I learned the hard way, that living your truth authentically is a revolutionary act within itself. Through my artistic expression, I’ve learned about myself and was able to learn about others. My photography lets me tell stories, send but also transcend messages. My work connects me to who I am, where I come from, and most of all those around me. This year we are called upon to stand up and against the violence and hate thrust onto so many Black and Brown bodies.”
Indeed, the recent deaths of Riah Milton, Dominique “Rem’mie'' Fells, Tony McDade, and Nina Pop have called attention to the marginalization and, most alarmingly, pervasive violence that Black transgender people face on a daily basis. And though there are activists and organizations like the Marsha P. Johnson Institute and For the Gworls that are diligently trying to put an end to this vicious cycle, they need allies to join the dialogue and actively participate. It is only then that real change can truly occur.
“Supporting Richie’s work makes me so happy,” said Ditte in the press release. “Richie was one of the first people we called during the lockdown. We had such a great and honest talk that turned into the Ganni Talks - How Are You? podcast. So when we were asked if we wanted to help raise awareness and funds for Black Trans Lives matter, it was such an honor. If there is anything this lockdown has taught me, it’s that we have to stick together and support each other.”
Richie Shazam’s personally signed portraits retail for $105 each and are both available online at Ganni.com.
You Might Also Like
