Hi Femme! Kristen McCallum

Welcome back to Hi Femme!, dapperQ’s sibling visibility project celebrating the incredible contributions that stylish femmes make to queer fashion. This edition, we’re featuring Kristen McCallum, the Creator of a visibility platform called Collectively Speaking that produces original content centering the nuances of the #QTPOC experience. Right now Collectively Speaking produces a weekly podcast called #SafeWordSociety that is on iTunes & Google Play and doing very well!

Hi Femme!: Can you talk a bit about how you define queer femme style and what makes it transgressive?

Kristen: I tend to stay away from definitions when it comes to expression. For me, personally, my femme style is really about what I’m most comfortable in! I think being able to live outside of labels sometimes is the most transgressive thing you can do.

Hi Femme!: How would you describe your personal style?

Kristen: My personal style is really simple! I wear a lot of dark colors…mostly black. I save all of the pops of color for my bags, lipstick or sneakers. I love a good 5-6 inch heel and wear them on occasion but I refuse to be required to wear them all the time to maintain a label! I’ve also gotten comfortable cutting my hair off, it seems to help keep me grounded in appreciation for my natural self. It’s part of who I am!

Hi Femme!: Who are your fashion icon(s)?

Kristen: I take inspiration from my lifestyle so I tend to wear things that don’t get in the way of commuting and creating. I tend to be really attracted to anything that isn’t super tight, to be honest…I’m a comfy-cute ambassador!