Calvin Klein launches pride month campaign with very first drag queen protagonist

Regardless of pride month parades being cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak , virtual celebrations are still being held all around the world through campaigns , projects & charity initiatives. Calvin Klein in particular is inaugurating the month with a campaign entitled #PROUDINMYCALVINS celebrating individual freedom of expression and LGBTQ+ identity . Shot by Ryan McKinley, the campaign highlights the true meaning and value of individuality with nine LGBTQ+ protagonists from all across the world including writer/activist/actor Chella Man, trans queer model/activist/actress Jari Jones, model/poet Reece King, actor & model Mina Gerges, artist Gia Woods , actor Tommy Dorfman,  model/activist Ama Elsesser, photographer Mary V and the brand’s very first drag queen/singer protagonist, Pabllo Vittar. 

Vittar is one of the most prominent figures within the Brazilian LGBTQ+ community,  as a performer she is not new to the sentiment of breaking boundaries, she’s known for being the first grammy nominated drag queen for her single “Sua Cara” in 2018, among other accomplishments. Which is why it is no surprise that she is once again breaking boundaries with this Calvin Klein campaign. In commemoration of the historic event , nss magazine had the opportunity to sit down with the drag queen to discuss all the details regarding her experience in being involved with this initiative. 

How does it feel to be Calvin Klein’s first drag queen protagonist?

Being a part of a Calvin Klein campaign is already a dream come true and I feel honoured and blessed to know I am the first drag queen to be in this role!

What’s your favorite thing about the new CK collection?

For me it's the way you can play with it, and it doesn't matter what gender you are, it's easy to wear and super beautiful at the same time!

If you had to pick only one piece from the collection to perform in, what would it be?

It would definitely be the jean shorts and the black cropped t-shirt I am wearing in the campaign as one of my looks! They are amazing together and are super comfortable for me to dance in a lot on stage!

Considering the current health crisis, how will you be celebrating your pride month differently this year?

I think we all are [celebrating], right?! Last year I did a Pride Tour in the US and Canada and this year I am gonna do some livestreaming shows on YouTube to raise money for the people of the community that are most in need right now! The important thing is to celebrate, during pride month and during all the other months, every day and everywhere! Be proud of who you are!

Are you working on any personal Pride projects we can support at the moment?

I am doing some live streaming to get donations online and taking them to LGBTQ+ NGOs that are helping the ones in need during this quarantine time! There will be one on May 22nd and another one in June! Both of them on my YouTube channel!

As a fundamental part of the campaign , Calvin Klein has made a lineup of several partnership as gestures of showing further support for the community . Such as a partnership with OutRight Action International to donate financial resources the Global Emergency Fund COVID LGBTIQ-19;  a donation to the non-profit association OnePulse Foundation towards the construction of an LGBTQ+ museum & memorial and also a show of support to the Equality Project, an LGBT charity base in Australia.

The Calvin Klein capsules are currently available online, don’t forget to post your images using the hashtag #PROUDINMYCALVINS.