Letter from the Editor: We're Here, The Inaugural Digital Issue

Our first digital issue is a testament to the enduring spirit of the LGBTQIA+ movement at a time when such vitality is especially needed.

When we launched L’Officiel USA at the beginning of 2018 we did so all too aware that the landscape of our industry was undergoing a great period of change—one that is very much ongoing. Print versus digital is not a debate, however, that we wanted to jump into. Instead, we decided to approach both as co-equals, to create content that has no divisions, no boundaries, and which is accessible to all. In that spirit, we’re very excited to debut the first of many digital issues by L’Officiel USA.

When it came time to decide what theme to build our premiere digital issue around, we felt that the spirit of expression, of daring, of being true to one’s self made the most sense. And so, we landed upon the “We’re Here…” issue, profiling some of the LGBTQIA+ community’s most outspoken, fearless, and compelling individuals. Taking its title from ‘90s New York activist collective Queer Nation, our digital issue is a testament to the enduring spirit of the LGBTQIA+ movement at a time when such vitality is especially needed.

To launch the inaugural issue, our digital covers feature Indya Moore and Teddy Quinlivan. Interviewed by co-star Mj Rodriguez, Pose actress Moore opens up about being trans today and the ongoing struggle to be seen. Meanwhile, Quinlivan, one of fashion’s most sought after models, takes her turn behind the camera, creating digital collages that riff upon gaming culture.

Elsewhere, model Nyle DiMarco, RuPaul’s Drag Race winner Aquaria, genderqueer artist Chella Man, beauty lover EJ Johnson, activist Munroe Bergdorf, writer Akwaeke Emezi, and genderfluid fashion designer Harris Reed tell their stories, sharing with us all the trials and triumphs of the community at large. And, on top of all that, who doesn’t love a little bit of music? Alexis Martin Woodall, the woman behind Pose’s epic soundtrack, filled us in on the stories behind some of her favorite tracks—songs that recognize the power of love. It’s an issue that celebrates the best in all of us and embraces the new year with a spirit of community and the joy and strength that comes from it.