For many, fashion can be a powerful tool for self-expression, a way to to communicate our ideas, values and creativity with the world around us.

No doubt, this will ring true for many in the LGBTQ+ community. Throughout history, queer people have used clothing, shoes and make-up to claim our identities and break out of the boxes society makes for us.

It takes courage to live and dress authentically – whether that’s by subverting gender norms, going against heteronormative exception, or using fashion as protest – and it’s something that deserves to be celebrated.

That’s the ethos of the Clarks Collective – a group of activists and artists working with the iconic shoe brand to celebrate self-expression and champion change.

Comprising author Jamie Windust, filmmaker Basma Khalifa, actor Gabriella Wilde, activist Jeannie Jay Park and mental health advocate Vas J Morgan, the collective advocates for everything from anti-racism to LGBTQ+ rights, fighting for a better, more just future.

To celebrate the launch of the collective, PinkNews and Clarks asked four LGBTQ+ trailblazers to explain how they’ve used fashion as a tool for self-discovery, empowerment and legacy.

Jamie Windust

Author, model and LGBTQ+ icon Jamie Windust is one of the founding members of the Clarks…