When you feel comfortable and safe in your surroundings, it allows you the freedom to express yourself however you want, try new things and, in turn, learn more about yourself, what you love and what you’re capable of. This is the sentiment behind UGG’s latest campaign Feel Heard. Feel Seen. The beloved, stylish footwear and lifestyle brand are committed this Pride season to foster a culture where all feel safe to express their true selves and are promising to donate over $260,000 to LGBTQ+ charities around the world. These include Switchboard, the helpline founded in the 70s providing a safe space to provide support and offer advice to the community; MAG Jeunes LGBT+, the french body run by young people supporting students and advocating for inclusivity in schools; the It Gets Better project which aims to connect, motivate and empower queer youth; Tokyo Rainbow Pride, which champions the Japanese capital’s queer community; and Pacific Pride Foundation, which has been advocating for Santa Barbara County’s LGBTQ+ locals and worked closely with UGG on this campaign.
What’s more, in order to learn exactly how they can support the community and provide spaces free of boundaries for queer people young and old to explore their own expression, UGG hosted a brunch! Those in attendance donning their most slay outfits and spoke openly about their experiences included french model, two-time kickboxing champion and ballroom scene member Koko Barno and Paris-based dancer, godmother of the house of Revlon and mother of the House of Juicy Couture Giselle “Gigi” Palmer, as well as striking UK models and activists Tanatswa G and Reece King. Alongside them was CEO of Switchboard Stephanie Fuller as well as Miangaly Randimbimanana of MAG Jenues LGBT+ to share what they know from the frontlines of supporting the queer community. Here, we caught up with each of the guests on the messages they want to share this pride and the importance of authenticity and boundaryless self-expression.
Koko Barno
When did you first feel truly seen as your true authentic self?
The first time that I felt truly seen as my authentic self was when I started taking risks and sacrifices to follow my passions, regardless of who I was disappointing or how it may be perceived by others. I’m staying true to my thoughts, through to my words and actions, and having these three areas match feels good and like I’m protecting my energies.
Tell us about the best look you’ve ever pulled.
When I wore a white wedding dress from my mum. It was very simple, very elegant and strong, and I remember thinking “wow I feel so powerful and feminine”. The best part was when my mum saw me in it.
Reece King
What one message close to your heart do you want to be heard this Pride?
Protect and defend trans people. To embrace and accept yourself and not give up because you will find so much treasure in living proudly.
When did you first feel truly seen as your true authentic self?
When I met my first chosen family member: my sister Munroe.
Tanatswa G
What one message close to your heart do you want to be heard this Pride?
Live in your truth and be your authentic self always. Not being who you are is doing a disservice to yourself because everybody else is taken. Be you and be loud about it.
When did you first feel truly seen as your true authentic self?
When I met my chosen family. They saw something in me that I didn’t see and they nurtured that.
Gigi Palmer
When did you first feel truly seen as your true authentic self?
When my mom acknowledged me walking in my woman hood.
Has experimenting with style impacted how you express your identity?
The fact that I’m such a chameleon with my looks has definitely helped me express every facet of my identity.
Miangaly Randimbimanana
What one thing would you like us to know about your charity?
Apart from offering inclusivity training in school, we also have an office in the Marais that is open to everyone between the ages of 15 to 30 searching for a safe space to meet with other people from the community or simply seek refuge in.
What one thing would you want to share with a young person needing support?
Just know that you are not alone out there. We work with several other charities that contribute to solving different social problems so, if you come to us, we can direct you to the best people to help you. You can find out more at mag-jeunes.org.
Stephanie Fuller
What one thing would you like us to know about your charity?
The staff at Switchboard is made up of trained LGBTQIA+ volunteers. We are from the community, for the community. Our all year-round service is confidential, non-judgemental and non-directive and is for anyone across the UK who needs a space to talk about anything connected with being LGBTQIA+
What one thing would you want to share with a young person needing support?
Please contact Switchboard via phone, instant messenger or email between 10am and 10pm. It’s free to call us and you will be heard. You are valid and when you contact Switchboard, we hold space for you, no matter the topic. You can find out more at switchboard.lgbt.