One could argue that the fashion industry is dominated by LGBTQIA+ individuals. Dressing up has always been sacred for people in the community, as the clothes they put on their back signify way more than just pure aesthetics. For many, it's a way to express themselves, and to solidify their identities in a world that, at most times, can be unforgiving.
Before she found a career dressing the likes of Arci Muñoz and Kris Bernal, Paris Roxas was crafting frocks for her paper dolls. She came of age and became a "doll" herself, and has since stepped out of her box and contributed to the queer safe spaces we have today.
In an exclusive interview with Preview, Paris talks about her personal journey with her SOGIE and how her love for fashion and music has been integral to the process.
Preview Pride: Fashion Stylist Paris Roxas on Being a Transwoman Creative in the Philippines
Please state your gender identity, sexual orientation, and preferred pronouns.
"I'm a trans woman, [my] sexual orientation is heterosexual, and my preferred pronouns are she/her."
When did you first come into terms with your SOGIE? What was your experience like coming out?
"Growing up, I didn’t really know what to label myself until I bought my first pair of heels in 2009. That [was] the start of my transition. I remember when I was a kid, my father asked me if I [was] gay because he always [caught] me playing with paper dolls. I was so caught off-guard, and I was scared [that] he would get mad. But he just told me to just study well, not because [I was] gay, but because [that was] what any other kid should do. And I think I did."
When did you start getting into being a DJ and a stylist? How have these careers helped you express your most authentic self?
"I [got] into the fashion industry as an assistant stylist back in 2010. It [was] around the same time I started transitioning and wearing [women's] clothes. I got to explore and wear different looks since [that was] also the nature of my job. Being a fashion stylist helped me express myself even more as a trans woman.
"I don’t really want to call myself a professional DJ because I just do it for fun. Back in 2013, my friend Inah Evans and I were tapped to play songs in Today x Future. It was a safe space for us back then. Then, I did some solo gigs for Poison Wednesdays in Nectar Nightclub, [as well at] some Pride events. Recently at Church in Apotheka, we had an all trans women line up of DJs and drag queens, [and the event was] called "Translacion". Playing LGBTQIA+ anthems is like [therapy] for me. I love seeing [the audience] jumping, dancing, and singing along to the songs I’m playing. It makes me so happy. It makes us more connected as one family through music."
How do you think your profession helps uplift the queer community? How does your work celebrate or highlight them?
"13 years ago when I started, there [were a] few trans women I [knew] who [were] working as fashion stylists. Now, I’m happy to see a lot of my trans sisters in the same field and I’d like to think that we are slowly moving forward. People recognize us because of our talent and creativity."
What can you say is your biggest break yet as a DJ and as a stylist?
"One of my styling works was [on] a billboard in Times Square in New York City. I think that’s one of my favorite works so far. As for being a DJ, since I do it for fun and for the community, being booked to play songs in our safe spaces is already a big break for me."
What inspires you to keep expressing your truest self despite the pushback from society? How do you, in your own way, fight back against the discrimination LGBTQIA+ people face daily?
"I’m happy that I am surrounded with queer people from different fields. They [were] actually the first people who [appreciated] my individuality. [It inspires] me to just wear whatever the f*ck I want. Fashion has become my weapon against judgmental people."
What’s one misconception about the queer community do most non-queer people have that you want to debunk?
"That being queer is always below heterosexual people. I believe that we are all equal whether you are straight or not. Our main purpose of living is to love and to be loved. To respect and be respected. To contribute and be prosperous."
What would be your message to your younger self? How about to young queer kids who are still discovering themselves?
"My message to my younger self is continue being who you are. Love your family as they will love you back. Good job [for] immersing yourself [in] pop culture, fashion and music as you will use [them] in your future profession. Your own hand sewn clothes, made out of denim and fabric scraps is already a sign of what you really want to do in life."
"My message to young queer kids is simple. Life is short to not enjoy what you really want to do and experience, so have fun and don’t be afraid to express yourself. You don’t need to impress other people. At the end of the day what’s important is your own happiness."
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