Embracing Authenticity. A Conversation with Queer Creators

One thing inseparable from the ethos here at Prequel is our belief in the freedom of self-expression. We share that value with our partner Readymag , an outstanding design tool that helps you create websites, landing pages, and all kinds of online publications without coding. 

As two companies championing authenticity and self-expression, we recently hosted an online talk with four of our favorite LGBTQ+ designers and content creators: 

Ziggy Zaddy, poet and model from Miami that has collaborated with over 50 brands. Annika Hansteen-Izora, product designer, creative director, and writer, who worked with Intel, Samsung, and MTV. Nick Lehman, TV writer and co-host of the podcast Breathe if you Agree. Carlos Oliveras Colom, designer and lettering artist with Adobe, WIRED, and Snapchat as clients. 

With them, we sat down and discussed all things LGBTQ+  identity and authenticity in content and design, including the pressure of being a role model, brands’ support vs. rainbow washing, and the difference between making content for queer and general audiences.

This July 1, we share a resumé of that conversation, edited for length and clarity.

Prequel: Imagine the world where everybody's identity is already automatically acknowledged and respected. How would that change your life? 

Ziggy Zaddy: I started my Instagram because I was bullied in high school. Instagram became my escape. I think in that world you describe I would just come in and be the poet I am, instead of being that lesbian seeking a safe space.

Nick Lehmann: Much of my writing revolves around queer stories. Even in a world where that's not the focus, I would still write based on my experiences. The main difference is that projects involving gender, sexuality, and race would likely have more commercial appeal. And we would see more of these stories without the concern of reception.

Prequel: Is there any difference in making content for queer and for the general audience?

Carlos: The way I approach design is to make work that is inclusive. I want to make sure that everyone always feels represented in some kind of way! What I create, it leads with love and inclusiveness, and if you're not into that, I guess it's not for you. And that's okay.

Annika: There's no difference in my approach. I don’t really think about the general audience: if my work isn't speaking to trans and queer people, then I don't want to be making it.

Prequel: Do you feel pressure to educate, to be a role model for the community?

Nick: I want to present a positive image, tell true stories, and make people feel accepted and included. However, there's often pressure to be perfect simply because of being different. You've been successful and other people haven't had that opportunity, so you have to be the representative. I don't think such expectations exist for people in communities that aren't viewed as marginalized. 

So I try not to let that affect my work or my just general existence. Am I the wildest version of myself, saying things that I don't believe? Absolutely not. I am specific about what I say and what I put out, but I try not to worry about upsetting certain people who are not comfortable with who I am.

Prequel: Do you use some companies’ products specifically because they do something meaningful for the community?

Ziggy: As a model, I was booked by many companies, but I never accepted opportunities unless I knew they weren't just for Pride Month. One particularly amazing opportunity was with Listerine, which spanned three months and could be scheduled anytime during the year. In addition to my paycheck, they donated $10,000 to the charity of my choice. Since then, I abide by Listerine.

Prequel: Have you ever held brands accountable for their lack of support/rainbow washing? 

Nick: A couple of weeks ago there was a Deloitte float with all these balloons, and it was like, you know, Deloitte pride and whatnot.  But we all know that they donated hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars, to anti-LGBTQ+ organizations. And I'm glad I've seen people calling that out on the internet because there are massive corporations that donate to conversion therapy or fund schools that attack trans children. And then they're like, “Well, if we put some balloons up at a pride parade, no one will notice this.” So I think that accountability is absolutely needed.

Prequel: A couple of questions for Annika and Carlos as designers. Generally, design is a less public discipline. Would you say there are still risks that openly queer design professionals face?

Annika: There's an incredible organization Queer Design Club, which did a survey of queer and trans designers in 2021. It had some really incredible findings. Like, 41% percent of trans respondents lost employment due to COVID in comparison to about 29% of cis designers. Or that Black, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, and Latinx designers make up a larger percentage of those reporting lower income averages. So, we literally have data that shows designers of marginalized identities are facing job instability and lower wages.

Carlos: I definitely see the lack of diversity in terms of gender, sexuality, and race. I feel like I can probably count on one hand the people that I've worked with that look like me.

Annika: I believe it's crucial to build community, to discuss rates openly. There have been a lot of scandals about Black creators and trans creators being paid lower rates for content creation work and other jobs, as exposed on TikTok. So I feel like the way we combat that is by actually sharing information with each other.

Prequel: What is one piece of advice that each of you would give young creatives, queer or not? 

Ziggy: No matter the field you work, just be yourself. Stand on it, beside it, and never behind it.

Nick: Continue to create, continue to write, and don’t take notes from other people to heart. There's been a lot of times where I've stopped myself because of what other people have to say. I am getting better at not doing that. And I wish I had started younger.

Carlos: Listen to your voice and do what feels right for you. Stealth forward thinking: start somewhere, the process will guide you. 

Annika: If you don't see it existing, create it for yourself. Build the worlds that you want to see in whatever your medium is. 

This is an adaptation of a Prequel x Readymag community livestream from June 2024, watch it in full here. 

As part of our Prequel Live series, we regularly organize interviews with guest experts from the world of audiovisual production and creation. Follow us on IG @prequelapp to tune in for next installments!