Meet Vanidy

We had the good fortune of connecting with Vanidy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vanidy, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
Growing up in Charlotte, NC, my story is one of passion, resilience, and transformation. Rooted in a love for theater, the arts, and fashion, my journey began in a religious household where my “tomboy” tendencies were supported until puberty brought about restrictions aimed at preventing teenage pregnancy. These early years were a mix of self-discovery and imposed limitations on my gender expression.

My first experience of coming out involved exploring my sexuality. Without the language or community support, I turned to social media and movies for understanding. It was the film “The Aggressives” that opened my eyes, showing me a reflection of myself and igniting the realization that my lesbian identity felt limiting. This set off a deeper exploration into my gender identity, leading me to start binding and feeling more aligned with my true self.
College was a pivotal time for me. Faced with discrimination, I shifted my major from theater to English, focusing on Black playwrights. The constant challenges only fueled my activism, and under the guidance of a mentor, I was encouraged to pursue a career in higher education. As an administrator, I was committed to creating inclusive spaces, establishing two LGBTQ centers on different campuses, ensuring queer individuals had the support they needed to thrive.

My passion for fashion was intertwined with my belief in bodily autonomy and self-expression. Noticing a trend towards professional respectability, I advocated for people to embrace their unique styles, believing that how we dress is a powerful form of self-definition. This advocacy led me to become a part of the collective bklyn boihood, which centered Black and Brown individuals in its events and publications. Styling models for our calendar shoots ignited a deeper passion for fashion empowerment, giving queer and trans people a chance to see themselves in their fullness.

My work with DapperQ further cemented my place in the fashion world. Starting as an assistant producer and then becoming a model for several brands, I have walked the runway at New York Fashion Week four times. This experience showcased my talent and dedication, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation in fashion and led to working with creative agencies like Stud+ Model Project.

Today, I am a consultant for various organizations, focusing on trans inclusion and advocating for safety and authenticity in the workplace. My journey has come full circle, combining my love for theater, arts, and fashion with a commitment to social justice and inclusion. As a signed model and actor, I continue to inspire and pave the way for others under my given name, Vanidy, embodying the true essence of living authentically and boldly.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a fashion curator and model, my mission is to provide more opportunities for Black, queer, bigger bodies in the fashion industry—not just behind the camera, but in front of it. I’ve had the honor of walking in New York Fashion Week four times and appearing in various print and other publications. However, the path to this point hasn’t been easy.

The fashion industry doesn’t often showcase people who look like me. I firmly believe that fashion is political and that everyone deserves to see themselves represented in this space. This belief drives my work and sets me apart. I’m most proud of my efforts to break barriers and create visibility for those who have been traditionally marginalized.

The journey here has been filled with challenges. Many transgender men and masculine-identified folks, including myself, struggle with mental health and isolation. I am a survivor of a suicide attempt, and I try to take each day as an opportunity to make the best of it. I’ve faced discrimination, rejection, and heartbreak, but community has been my saving grace. After being laid off from a job last year, it has been a struggle to find full-time work as a Black trans person, given that we are twice as likely to be unemployed. Throughout these challenges, I’ve learned the importance of building a chosen family and healing with intention.

Van Bailey and Co, LLC, my equity-centered firm, focuses on transformation, healing, and connection. We work with organizations and individuals to improve health outcomes from an intersectional lens and empower people to embrace holistic leadership and authenticity. Our services include direct service, consultation, evaluation, and coaching at various levels, regardless of the size of the organization. Under this umbrella, we also have Theo Luxe, a fashion brand that centers on bodily autonomy and style empowerment. I’m currently working on a capsule collection and can’t wait to share it with the world!

Community is everything, and networking along with consistent visual content is crucial. My story is a testament to resilience, the power of community, and the belief that everyone deserves to see themselves in the fashion industry. I want the world to know that my journey is about more than just fashion—it’s about creating space, fostering healing, and championing authenticity.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sure thing! If my best friend came to visit for a week, I’d plan an epic Southern adventure highlighting incredible cultural experiences and delicious food from spots across several states. As a proud Southerner, I believe our region offers some of the best landscapes and culinary delights in the country. We’d start in my hometown – Charlotte, NC, exploring NoDa’s vibrant arts scene and enjoying soul food at Mert’s Heart and Soul. Then, we’d head down to Charleston, SC, soaking in the historic district and dining at local gems like Nigel’s Good Food. Our journey would continue through Savannah, GA, enjoying the charm of Forsyth Park and a meal at The Grey, renowned for its modern Southern cuisine. From there, we’d venture into the Great Smoky Mountains for hiking and camping under the stars. Next, we’d hit Nashville, TN, for hot chicken at Prince’s and live music on Broadway. After that, we’d explore Birmingham, AL, visiting the Civil Rights Institute and dining at Saw’s Soul Kitchen. Continuing our tour, we’d stop in Oxford, MS, to stroll the town square and dine at City Grocery. We’d wrap up with a visit to New Orleans, LA, for a po’boy at Verti Marte and yummy cuisine at Loretta’s. Moving on to Miami, FL, we’d enjoy a soul food tour and explore some of the beaches. Finally, we’d end our journey in Austin, TX, for Hoover’s Cooking and a taste of Texas BBQ at 2M Smokehouse and then make our way to Houston to explore the Queer Black social scene. This tour celebrates the rich cultural heritage and diverse flavors of the South, promising a truly unforgettable experience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely! I’d love to dedicate a heartfelt shoutout to several incredible people and groups who have been instrumental in my journey. First and foremost, Jeaux Henry, one of the founders of ALT ATL, deserves immense credit. Jeaux is not only my best friend but also someone who continuously inspires me with their vision and care for Queer Black people.

A huge thank you goes to bklyn boihood, a collective that centers joy and curates physical and visual spaces for Black and Brown queer people. Our collective work has been pivotal in creating affirming spaces and fostering community.

I also want to acknowledge DapperQ and Anita Dolce Vita, a fierce community leader, fashion visionary, and event curator. Anita’s dedication to the community and her innovative approach to fashion have been truly inspiring.

My mentors—Dr. Gail Cole-Avent, Dr. Shaun Travers, Dr. Susan Marine, and Dr. Debbie Bazarsky—have provided invaluable guidance and support throughout my career. Their wisdom and encouragement have been crucial in my development.

Andy Cofino deserves special recognition for being an unwavering support when I was laid off, offering me an opportunity to engage in life-changing policy and advocacy work. His belief in me made a significant difference.

Lastly, I am deeply thankful for my partner, B.Hawk Snipes, who continues to be a beacon of light in movement spaces. Their support and love keep me grounded and motivated.

These individuals and groups have played significant roles in my story, and I am eternally grateful for their contributions to my life and work.

Website: https://www.drvanbailey.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvanbailey/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drvanbailey/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr__handsome

Image Credits
orange background pics : @nerdscarf
Rest of pics @studmodelproject