Jacob Bixenman, Patti Harrison, Gus Kenworthy Star in Ralph Lauren's Pride Campaign

In a new campaign for Ralph Lauren, a cast of queer, trans, and allied community members came together for their Pride activation -- the release of a t-shirt, polo, hoodie, hat and tote. One hundred percent of the purchase price each tee and 50% of each Polo shirt, hoodie, hat, and tote will be donated to Stonewall Community Foundation, to coincide with Stonewall's 50th anniversary.

The cast is stacked with some of our favorites. There's advocate and Olympian Gus Kenworthy; model and creative (and boo to a one Troye Sivan); Jacob Bixenman; actor Josie Totah; viral ballet Youtube star Harper Watters; comedian Patti Harrison; and photographer Cass Bird. In an added layer to the cast, the shoot also features three members of youth from the Hetrick Martin Institute, an organization that provides resources for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, as well as Cass Bird's family.

Watch the full campaign video here.

Here are some photos from the campaign, as well as an exclusive Q&A with some of the cast.

What's your earliest memory of Pride?

Harper Watters: "Pride" in the sense of the rainbow glitter celebration with "I'm coming out" blasting, would be when I was 16 and moved to Houston, but my first experience with Pride was Miss Jay Alexander from America's Next Top Model. He oozed confidence and with every strut he commanded self respect. I didn't know it at the time, but that was Pride. I saw it more and more when I discovered the story of Pedro Zamora and began to secretly watch the Real World in hopes of seeing boys kissing. Pride is as much a celebration as it is a remembrance and attitude.

What does queer community mean to you?

HW: The queer community to me means, chosen family. A space thats free of aggression and judgment, and one that is supportive, understanding, and progressive. Formed largely due to necessity, the community was and is a safe haven, but now this generation is reclaiming their voice and surging forward with the idea that we are here, we exist, and we matter. That is queer community.

What's your earliest memory of Pride?

Evie, of HMI: My earliest memory of Pride was 2017, and I was working at Levi's in Times Square, and I was getting a car ride to Times Square. I remember getting stuck in traffic and I saw rainbow balloons being set free a few blocks away. I left the car and put on the GPS the nearest train station because I was running late and it took me to the 1 train at 23rd Street. There was so many people from different backgrounds wearing rainbow everything. I remember it was a long walk, but it was worth it. I turned a corner and saw this wall painted all colors of the rainbow with rainbow origami. It was so beautiful. I wanted to stay but I had to get to work. Once I reached Times Square, it was like a party, and everyone was happy, everyone was hugging, kissing, dancing, running, being happy, free, and living their truth which I loved the most. Ever since then, so have I and I've never changed.

What does queer community mean to you?

E: The queer community to me means family. Family that has embraced me with open arms and motivated me to be myself even more.

To you, why is it important that we honor queer history?

E: We have to honor queer history because it's history no matter what. It shouldn't be excluded because it's a part of a specific community. And it's history that needs to be talked about in the sense of that it changed so many queer people's lives and being able to live through that should be an honor to me and future generations.

Who are your greatest queer role models?

E: My greatest queer role models are Janelle Monae, Billy Porter, Marsha P. Johnson, Audre Lorde, Angela Davis, and Frida Kahlo.

How are you celebrating Pride this year?

E: I'm celebrating Pride this year by thanking all of the queer activists and trailblazers that put themselves out to a world back then that didn't accept or understand who they were, still made the choice to pick themselves and others who were just like them up, to show everyone on the outside that this is who they are no matter what, and they won't ever change. I want to carry that same passion and love for myself and everyone in the community to show it all over the world by living in my truth as a bisexual woman of color for the rest of my life with them in spirit and mind.

To you, why is it important that we honor queer history?

HP: As an African-American out and proud classical ballet dancer, I am well aware of the privilege I have of simply even saying that. Every time I step onstage, but particularly during Pride, I carry with me the legacy of who came before me. I stand on the shoulders of those who danced through adversity before me. They taught me to not try and fit into a box, to not try and be someone else, but to embrace my uniqueness, capabilities, and potential. The LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters who came before us paved the way for our generation and gave me hope as a little boy sashaying around his room in a t-shirt bikini dreaming of being a dancer. We must honor our past so more t-shirt bikinis can be worn.

Who are your greatest queer role models?

HP: My biggest queer role models are people who I can see facets of myself in but are also unwavering in their bold commitment to being themselves. Arthur Mitchell, Alvin Ailey, Stephen Galloway, Albert Evans, were unapologetic queer dancers of color that I literally owe my career to. I look towards people like Parker Kit Hill, Yanis Marshall, Mark Kanemura, for their deliciously creative and "this is me" approach to incorporating arts into mainstream media. Desmond is Amazing, RuPaul, Adam Eli, Billy Porter, Calvin Royal, Marcelino Sambe, Lawrence Rines, and other queer dancers of color slaying the ballet game. There are so many who came before me, are raising the bar now, and who will carry on the legacy for the future that I admire and inspire me.

How are you celebrating Pride this year?

HP: This year Houston Pride falls on a double show day for us at Houston ballet, so I unfortunately will miss the celebrations, but you better believe I'm celebrating onstage! I'm so proud to be a part of a company and city that allows me to be myself and fights to end any prejudice and discrimination that opposes that! So while people will be outside kicking, twirling, sashaying, and most likely in a full beat face of makeup, I'll be doing the exact same... just in a different context.

What does queer community mean to you?

Patti Harrison: It means feeling the sense of support and morale you can only really understand from the shared experiences of living life as a queer person.

To you, why is it important that we honor queer history?

PM: To keep perspective about what we've gained and who to thank for that, how far we've come, and what we still have yet to accomplish.

Who are your greatest queer role models?

PM: At a very vulnerable time, finding the work and advocacy of people like Laverne Cox, Janet Mock, and Alok Vaid-Menon saved my life.

How are you celebrating Pride this year?

Hmmm maybe farting around with my chosen family probably gonna eat a calzone & listen to Kim Petras or some other gay action.

What's your earliest memory of Pride?

Tyriq, of HMI: My earliest memory of Pride would be the most recent Kiki ballroom function. Whenever I step in front of a crowd to perform I am prideful. Being inspired and powerful on stage is such a beautiful feeling, especially when you are able to share that with a room full of people.

What does queer community mean to you?

T: The queer community is culture to me. There is so much rich art, creativity, diversity, and love in the queer community. To be a part of something of the sort is such a scarce opportunity, that you need to cherish it and all that comes with it. The queer community inspires, motivates, and protects me.

To you, why is it important that we honor queer history?

T: History is the foundation for success. In order to know where you are going, you need to know where you come from and the precedents set before you.

Who are your greatest queer role models?

T: Kimiyah is my greatest role model. She is my chosen gay mother and I absolutely live for her. She taught me how to be myself without words. She showed me from a young age what it is like to be unapologetically me. I love her to the ends of the earth, as if she was my own mother.

How are you celebrating Pride this year?

T: I will be spending my Pride vogueing down the parade. Being very prideful.