Threads of change
Why I'm building a fashion label for transgender women right now...
As a transgender woman in Australia, I watch with growing alarm as anti-trans rhetoric transform into attacks in the USA, and concerning echoes begin to emerge here at home in the lead-up to the next election.
While I recognise the need to highlight these events, to call them out and make them known, to express our disapproval and opposition to them—I believe there are many excellent writers that are already doing so, here on Substack and elsewhere.
I am reluctant to give more 'air'—attention, time, energy—to these dreadful actors and actions. And so I've been wrestling with how to respond meaningfully.
For the past two decades, I've been inspired by Buckminster Fuller's philosophy:
"You never change things by fighting the existing reality.
To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."
This ethos has driven my work supporting and building for-purpose organisations, particularly in the climate space, where I've spent the last decade developing digital solutions to transform our energy systems. I am also inspired by pioneers like Anita Roddick, who proved that business can be a powerful catalyst for change when built on progressive values.
In fact, given the current political climate, I've come to believe more in the power of ethical business to drive change than in the power of government, which increasingly seems to be the source and driver of the very problems we're fighting against.
Before the current political cycle, I conceived Arketype.One—a sustainable, fair-trade fashion label designed with trans women in mind, while remaining inclusive of all.
In recent times, responding to, and resisting, the events currently unfolding in the USA has felt far more important and pressing to me than building a business.
But here on Substack I’ve been reading the thoughts of a lot of trans-folx who have indicated that just being visible, not giving in, expressing joy, and many other simple acts are acts of defiance and resistence in these attempts to vilify or erase transgender people.
As I’ve been reading these, and contemplating what I can do, I’ve come to realise that building Arketype.One IS a form of resistance. It is my protest against these attacks. Honouring and increasing trans visibility, rather than acquiescing to the demand that we slink off into the darkness, feels more important than ever.
There is a reason why this business is calling for my attention and focus, right now, in this moment.
Having found inspiration in the presence of strong, articulate trans voices here, I want to add to these voices by sharing my experiences building Arketype.One. From its current nascent developments, into what I hope will become a meaningful contribution to our community.
Thank you for being part of this story...