Last night, Indya Moore made one of the most important fashion statements of the year, using accessories to highlight a national crisis: the rampant killing of black trans women.
The Pose star was receiving a Magazine Cover of the Year award for their gorgeous, history-making Elle cover, and showed up to the ceremony in "Keepsake" earrings composed of photos of 16 trans women who've been murdered in 2019.
They also carried a framed photograph of Bailey Reeves, because — as both Indya and Beads Byaree designer Areeayl Yoseefaw explained — the 17-year-old was killed three days before the event and after the earrings had been made.
"On this day that I’m celebrated and awarded for being visible, I decided to bring them with me," Indya said in their acceptance speech. "Just like me, these women dared to exhaust their freedom to exist by being visible. However, instead of being celebrated, they’re punished for it."
In addition to pointing out the many systemic injustices facing black trans women today, they thanked people who've had a positive impact on their life, like Lady Gaga who "made a very generous donation to the foster care agency" to their old foster care home, they revealed.
Indya also thanked their parents for "being an incredible example to parents everywhere that it’s possible to learn and adjust your parenting in the best interests of your child’s existence."
I honestly can't think of a better way to use one's power, fame, and fashions for good. In conclusion, Indya said it best themself: "We deserve to feel and experience belonging, just as you all do so regularly."
