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In a new interview, the model-slash-athlete opens up about representation in sport and style.
Air Jordan 13 Retro Collezione 'CDP' Jordan Rand, Jordan Air Jordan 14 sneakers Fashion Week‘s in Mugler suits — all while advocating for queer athletes.
If you ask Rand, she’s always been an athlete. But the pivotal moment that brought her to our feed was not just the badass vibe she gives off but her fits, too. One scroll through her Instagram and you’ll see her modeling — on a bike — and clearing homophobes in the comments.
As shared in our 2021 interview with Rand, the eSkootr world was “Developed by a group of Formula 1 and Formula E drivers.” Also known as the “eSc race, it uses custom-built scooters that drive as fast as 100 kilometers per hour as athletes in Tron-like outfits compete to the finish line.”
@barbaragabriellee
With the lack of representation for women in sport, Rand’s ears perked up when she first overheard a conversation about eSC at Soho House. She thought: “It’s a new sport and it doesn’t exist yet…” Technically, :No one can be a pro at a sport that doesn’t exist…”
While dominating the world of racing, Rand has simultaneously modeled for the industry’s most luxurious and emerging fashion houses. From Giorgio Armani and Louis Vuitton to Grace Ling, Maximilian Davis and David Koma, As the Air Jordan 11 Win Like 96 gets ready to drop on December 9th.
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CLOT × NIKE AIR JORDAN 14 LOW BROWN 31cm Alaire Thomas, it appears she’s living her best life — and she is. But as many queer baes know, rising to success and finding love isn’t a linear journey. However, Rand continues to create encouraging and fearless content as she inspires the next generation of queer baes to never tone it down.
Air Jordan 12 Bordeaux x Jordan Jumpman Snapback Hat Bordeaux Black interview with Rand.
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I’ve always been an athlete. I was a figure skater when I was a kid, but the person that really lit my soul on fire when it came to racing was Lewis Hamilton! Being the only black racing driver in the history of formula one, using his platform to champion people of color and the queer community, wearing the pride flag in his racing helmet, all while being a fashion icon! He made me want to take up space in Motorsport!
@ikaldama
What’s your biggest accomplishment?
To this day, my biggest accomplishment is showing up as my most authentic self. It’s sounds cliche, but I’ll never forget my first time racing in Switzerland, there was a group of young girls that were watching a cheering me on. One of them came up to me and said one day I want to be just like you! Her mom told me that’s the first time her daughter had ever seen a female racer. Another example, recently my partner and I were in Mexico City attending a formula E race and were recognized but by one of our followers. They told me how much it has meant to see another queer person represented in Motorsport. Sometimes I worry that I’m not doing enough and I have to remind myself that just showing up as my authentic self means I get to be the representation I didn’t have growing up! We can be what we can’t see. Knowing I get to inspire the next generation of women, people of color, and the LGBTQ community to take up space will forever be my biggest accomplishment.
Has your confidence as an athlete changed after coming out?
It’s changed completely! We don’t Mallas how much energy it takes to pretend to be something we really not. Coming out freed up so much energy!
@ikaldama
What influences your personal style when on road or in sport mode?
I call it bisexual style. A mix of fem and masc energy is usually my go to personal style. If I wear baggy pants it’s usually paired with a cute little tiny top. Or if I have an oversized blazer or motor jacket on top, I like to show a little leg on bottom. One thing I’ve learned is when I pair a biker jacket and cool sunglasses with almost any outfit, I instantly feel like a super hero.
What’s the biggest challenge for you in your industry right now?
Representation. Men make up 93% of Motorsport as a whole. Women only 7%. Queer representation in Motorsport is almost non-existent. Thankfully we have organizations like Racing Pride and the F1 Academy that are working to change that but it’s a process.
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Has gender inequality within your industry impacted your career growth? If so, how?
I’ve been very lucky to start my racing career in the electric space. Generally electric racing championships are trying to change the game! Electric racing isn’t bound by the generations of toxic masculinity that has been so pervasive with traditional petrol racing. We have a chance to start fresh and welcome more diversity into the sport. For example my championship has women and men competing against each other on an even playing field. Often times the women WIN! Just goes to show what women are capable of!
@pierrickrocher
Do you have a favorite fashion moment that elevated your style?
I think leaning into what I wanted to wear, rather than what society told me I should wear as a woman has been the biggest game changer for me. When I stopped dressing for the male gaze that’s when I really found myself.
Any advice for queer girlies feeling inspired by your confidence and success?
You’re exactly who you’re meant to be. Love who you want to love, dress how you want to dress and be who you want to be. We have one life — just one. Why aren’t we running like we’re on fire towards our wildest dreams? It’s ok to be scared and do it anyway. That’s where the real magic begins. I see you, I love you, and you’re valid.
@tarform
This interview has been condensed for clarity.
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