PRIDE CAMPAIGN 23

PRIDE 23 CAMPAIGN

Addressing the concerns of our LGBTQ+ community for over 30 years, ACON offers the support and education to live their healthiest lives - a cause we're passionate about as we seek inclusivity and empowerment for all. 

Over 12,000 people in NSW live with HIV, and there are over 500,000 LGBTQ+ residents in the state. ACON's services are vital and varied, including operating HIV and STI testing facilities, running gay health workshops, distributing free condoms and offering free and low-cost counselling services. 

Ahead of WorldPride Sydney, BLANCA's Pride Campaign 2023 is all about celebrating and giving back. Join with us this Friday, 24th February, as we donate 50% of all proceeds from sales to ACON. Find your colour, wear your style, and get to know our gorgeous LGBTQ+ models below.

BETH (she/her)

Pride Campaign 23

Beth (she/her)

Who are you and what do you spend most of your days doing?

Hey I’m Beth, I am 24 and living in Sydney. I spend most of my time surrounded with the people who I love and who inspire me. I love being outdoors and just enjoying wherever the day leads. I love going on a bush walk or to the beach, but don’t get me wrong, I also love a day in, bingeing my new favourite show. I love art, fashion and design, I am always trying to create or learn a new skill - Crocheting has be the latest obsession! 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Do the best you can until you know better, then once you know better, do better.” I think learning is one of the biggest gifts we all have, especially when it comes to understanding the world we live in. Educating ourselves and learning to do the best we can. Learning about topics and listening to others who know better than us, so then we can move forward and do better.

Your style mantra/persona?

I love to wear anything I feel good in. Whatever the trends or latest style, I just believe in wearing what makes you feel your most confident. My style changes year to year, but the one constant is feeling myself and happy in whatever I step out of the house in. So I think confidence is my biggest style mantra - you look your best when you feel your best. 

I think my go-to item of clothing is always a great pair of tailored trousers - I feel as though any occasion you can put them on and wear them in so many different ways. 

When are you happiest?

I am my most happy when I’m surrounded by beautiful people, ones who I love and who inspire me. The best feeling in the world is when everyone you are around are all in an incredible mood and no matter what you are doing or where you are, everyone is just happy to be with each other - the feeling is just so infectious and joyful.

Celebrating pride with Blanca.

RACH (she/her)

Pride Campaign 23

Rach (she/her)

Who are you and what do you spend most of your days doing?

I’m still trying to figure that out haha at my core I’d say I’m a nurturing ambivert. I spend most of my days in my cafe I manage. I’ve worked in hospo my whole life and it’s become a big part of my identity. If I’m not there you’ll find me in my kitchen making pasta or cooking curries, up in the blue mountains or drinking orange wine in a bar.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Don’t do it if it doesn’t make you happy. My Mum said it to me when I was going through a rough time in school which led me to drop out and move away from my hometown so I could find some peace and happiness. Which I did and continue to do so! 

Your style mantra/persona?

My persona is black!! My style has always been very basic, I’ve never felt very comfortable in colour or anything out there with the exception of Mardi Gras. This weekend you’ll find me in a sparkly blue dress and white leather boots!

When are you happiest?

When I’m cooking in my kitchen, whether it be for myself or friends or a special someone. Being able to create and provide something delicious is such a high form of love in my opinion.

Marcel (he/him)

Marcel (he/him)

Who are you and what do you spend most of your days doing?

I'm just a German boy following his dreams far away from home <3

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

It's impossible to please everyone.

Your style mantra/ persona?

Palms up; smile & breathe.

When are you happiest?

You'll find me with my besties and a glass of wine watching sunsets at the beach.

Pride 23 Campaign.