not a trend, it’s a very serious situation that has to change how we perceive the world,’’ he adds. For fashion and retail brands, it is essential to prioritize and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, particularly during Pride Month, but not necessarily. “What’s really important is to carry products from and highlight brands, employees, and other owned businesses, whether queer-owned or Black-owned or woman-owned, not just on that month, but also to support them throughout the year,” he claims. Being an ally should not be a performative act limited to a specific time frame but rather a consistent effort to support and uplift marginalized communities. For his latest campaign of the Phluid Project, “Freedom For All,” Smith wanted to create a campaign that was inclusive of people on different continents, with different stories and messages. People have put their lives on the line fighting for freedom. With violence, hate speech, and anti-LGBTQ laws escalating, standing up for what’s right is more important than ever. The Phluid Project is leading the charge, using creativity and truth to help create a world where everyone can live to the fullest without fear of discrimination or violence.“I wanted to put a global spotlight on what freedom means—something that we have to fight for, earn, and continue to fight for,” he adds. Freedom is a human right; it is universal, and it is for everyone. Launching in the spring, the campaign emphasizes the importance of the freedom to be yourself. The campaign promotes a universal message of freedom by featuring the experiences and highlighting the struggles of five oppressed artists. Through the lens of various artistic works, the Phluid Project is striving to raise awareness about the importance of inclusivity and
“Freedom is a human right; it is universal, and it is for everyone.”
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