By Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine Staff
Photography from previous EFW events by Mars Araya

Equality Fashion Week® (EFW) 2024 stood as a beacon of hope and resilience in a world where representation and visibility are increasingly crucial. Launched in 2018, this pioneering event has grown into a significant platform for underrepresented voices within the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for equity, equality, and diversity in a time of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. This year’s four-day celebration, running from May 15-19, set out to break barriers and bring unity to the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly among queer, transgender, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (QTBIPOC).

A Week of Historic Significance and Global Impact

EFW 2024 was slated to coincide with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and served as a precursor to Pride Month, further emphasizing the event’s importance. As the first LGBTQ+ focused Fashion Week in Los Angeles, it aimed to do much more than showcase talent—it was a call for change and an invitation to embrace diversity. The event’s mission was to unite the community, spotlight the intersection of queer and AAPI identities, and reach a broader global audience.

The lineup of notable designers was impressive, featuring ArmaniDae, Bad Burro, Casa Couture, Dapper Boi, Dani Threads, Jovan Wolf, Origami Customs, Paulo Silva, Sharpe Suiting, and THÚY Custom Clothier. Alongside these acclaimed designers, influential figures from the LGBTQ+ community graced the runway and stage, including Aidan Park, Alexander Tries, Bamby Salcedo, Jazzmun, Karina Samala, Maria Roman, Rain Valdez, Rosalyne Blumstein, Rose Montoya, and even 90s pop icon and LGBTQ+ ally, Marcella Detroit, from The Shakespeare Sisters. Performances by the Trans Chorus of LA and a custom-tailored soundscape by DJ Little Dinosaur, with Chihsuan, Yaarrohs, and more, added a unique musical dimension to the fashion spectacle.

Key partnerships were instrumental in bringing EFW 2024 to life. Hotel Ziggy and The West Hollywood EDITION hosted landmark events, including the opening and closing parties at Hotel Ziggy and the exquisite fashion show at The West Hollywood EDITION ballroom. These venues provided stunning backdrops and reaffirmed a shared commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces where diversity and fashion could be celebrated with style and comfort.

Education and Empowerment

At the heart of EFW 2024 was the E3 (Educate, Enrich, Empower) Summit at Fan Girl Cafe, a pivotal platform for dialogue and learning. This summit featured insights from industry luminaries like on-air personality and journalist Tracy Gilchrist, published author Zara Barrie, “The Oprah of LinkedIn” Goldie Chan, and award-winning activist and musician Ryan Cassata. Central to the summit was the “Legacy of Courage: Celebrating LGBTQ+ Elders” panel with OUTWords Archive, honoring community trailblazers like Bamby Salcedo and OUTWords Founder, Mason Funk. This series of discussions provided a deep dive into the LGBTQ+ experience, fostering understanding and unity.

Bridging Communities with Queer Market East and West

A unique collaboration with The Queer Mercado, known for being the first permanent LGBTQ+ feature in the East LA community, added a vibrant touch to EFW 2024. The Queer Market East and West created welcoming spaces to celebrate diversity and unity. The Queer Market East, held on May 18th at the East LA Civic Center, and the Queer Market West, which included a lively queer pool party with Pearl Pool Party at Hotel Ziggy on May 19th, bridged the gap between East and Westside queer businesses, fostering economic empowerment and community solidarity.

Event Highlights

EFW 2024 offered a diverse range of events across its four-day schedule. The opening party at Hotel Ziggy on May 15th was a celebration of queer nightlife, bringing together key promoters from across Los Angeles. The E3 Summit at Fan Girl Cafe on May 16th tackled crucial topics like financial wellness, mental health, gender exploration, and entrepreneurship. On May 18th and 19th, the Queer Market East & West supported LGBTQ+ small businesses, while the groundbreaking fashion show on May 18th at The West Hollywood EDITION showcased a diverse group of models, affirming EFW’s commitment to inclusivity.

A Call for Representation and Unity

EFW’s focus on representation was more crucial than ever in light of the challenging political climate. With plans to stream the event online, EFW 2024 aimed to reach a global audience, ensuring that the celebration of inclusivity went beyond the runway. This year’s event showcased fashion and celebrated the strength, resilience, and unity of the LGBTQ+ community, making it an inspiring reminder that diversity is something to be cherished and celebrated.

This article was originally published in the 2024 PRIDE Month Issue of Las Vegas PRIDE Magazine, and can be read in its original format here.