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Kaeden Kalaqtic
Vijat Mohindra
Innovators

Kaeden Kalaqtic

Meet some of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.

Fashion designer Kaeden Kalaqtic describes his work as “a blend of modern minimalism and space-age design.” The gay 24-year-old, who made his debut at New York Fashion Week in 2023, counts completing his Space Ring bag as another recent accomplishment.

Kalaqtic entered the fashion industry after gaining a following on YouTube in his teens, becoming only the second out LGBTQ+ Asian man to create and entertain online in Washington State. His designs, under the label Kalaqtic, have been worn by Machine Gun Kelly, Katy Perry, Megan Thee Stallion, Heidi Klum, and more. Next up, he plans to host the first fashion show at the Seattle Space Needle, paying homage to his hometown. And he knows the power of culture to shape hearts and minds.

“LGBTQ+ equality is not just about legal rights; it’s about creating a world where everyone is free to be their true selves, loved and respected for who they are. Our diversity is our strength, and by standing together, we can build a future where love and acceptance triumph over hate and prejudice.” @kaeden

Mars Sharrock
Melissa Simpson
Innovators

Mars Sharrock

Meet one of the artists, disruptors, educators, groundbreakers, innovators, and storytellers who all helped make the world a better place for LGBTQ+ people.

Melissa Simpson

Becoming who you are — and showing people your true self — is essential for queer people, “but it’s also fun!” says Mars Sharrock, program director for The Wardrobe, a Philadelphia nonprofit combating clothing insecurity. Whether you need clothes for a job interview or to affirm your gender transition, The Wardrobe makes sure that you are kitted from head to toe.

“Fashion — feeling good in what you wear — is an expression of self. Self-determination goes beyond basic needs and is about creativity, expression, and freedom,” Sharrock says. And it’s self-determination that they want everyone to have access to, regardless of income, race, religion, or even criminal record.

The organization launched a program called “Returning Wardrobe,” which focuses on clothing and education services for formerly incarcerated people. And Sharrock has helped the program increase its services to transgender and queer community members by over 50 percent in just the past few years. “Clothing is a basic need, so I see the work The Wardrobe does as helping people get their basic needs met,” Sharrock says. @_sharrockin_