NiK Kacy

Being queer is at the core of everything I create. My lived experience as a trans, nonbinary person has shaped my mission to challenge traditional norms in design, ensuring visibility, accessibility, and inclusivity. In fashion, I founded NiK Kacy Footwear to break gender barriers, designing footwear that isn’t constrained by the binary. In events, I created Equality Fashion Week to uplift LGBTQ+ talent, ensuring our voices and identities are celebrated. As a creative director and producer, I bring an intersectional lens to every project, crafting authentic, inclusive narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Queerness isn’t just a part of my identity—it’s my superpower. It allows me to disrupt, innovate, and build spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

My favorite piece of queer visual culture is the sight of unapologetic authenticity. Whether it’s a ballroom performance, a queer fashion show, or a protest sign demanding our rights, the power of visibility itself is revolutionary. If I had to choose one specific piece, it would be either the ACT UP Silence = Death poster or most pieces by Keith Haring. It reminds me that design is more than aesthetics; it’s a tool for resistance, empowerment, and call to action.

I’m inspired by trailblazers who use their craft to create change—from activists to artists, designers to storytellers. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera paved the way for queer liberation, reminding me that visibility and advocacy go hand in hand. Billy Porter and Alok Vaid-Menon inspire me with their fearless authenticity in fashion and self-expression. Chella Man and Pidgeon Pagonis push boundaries in representation, proving that intersectionality is key to progress. But beyond public figures, I’m most inspired by the everyday queer creators, dreamers, and fighters—those who build, innovate, and uplift our community, ensuring a future where we are all seen, celebrated, and empowered.