Meet Kolby Keene

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kolby Keene.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kolby. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I am a queer creative living through the gentrification process in MacArthur Park. I am self-taught. A multi-faceted visual artist filled with love, hope, understanding, and confidence. I am a stylist. I design. I model. I am a creative director. I am a friend. I am a wedding planner.

I make pretty bouquets and take decent photos. I am brave. I can cook. I’m a great hostess; a true peoples’ person. I am both a teacher and a student. I enjoy learning. I am one with clothes. I LOVE FASHION not because it has been a part of my life since a very young age but because it is one of the few things I have yet to truly understand.

Walk. Serve.

I love living, not taking life too seriously, making daring decisions and wearing bold outfits. I love existing, being my authentic self, inspiring others through my own truth. I love being me, the person I’ve grown to be. All in all, I am an East Coast transplant and from the beginning to now, Los Angeles has been a platform for me to create, live and grow.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Anyone can put on a blue dress and red heels and follow the yellow brick road set before them, but for me, it’s the shade of blue and the height of the heels that defines my journey. My yellow brick road was golden with misunderstandings and distractions. I’ve always stood out with my flamboyant masculinity and over the top looks. I’ve been belittled by my own community for being myself and for living my identity. My name acquired many spellings on this journey-gay, faggot, weak, and while it was confusing and sometimes hurtful, I didn’t let it get the best of me.

I’ve always been confident, and I’ve always known what I wanted in life. So, so what if I got a lot of No’s along the way. I took them to further humble myself. Society says we should have a smooth journey, but the universe continues to present us with rejection and fear. Living in a large and universal city like LA, I have no choice but to be my authentic self, no matter the obstacles. And as I approach 30, I realize that a new journey is starting, and I am prepared to be an even better me for myself, my family, my friends, and the communities around me.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Currently, I am L I V I N G, focusing on further growing a platform where I can help organize communities and uplift individuals struggling to be themselves. I want to be that beacon of light, a vision of hope. I want to comfort the world, heal the struggles and be a leader of unity. I’ve started with my own self-expression, the way I dress, my presence, my voice, and my inclusion. I am very proud of me. I am very happy with my life and the path that it currently resides. There are many more great things to come some that have yet to be revealed to me but nonetheless, I am very excited. Look out LA, there is a new King rising.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom has always accepted me for who I am and never discouraged me from being myself. Words cannot describe how much power that placed on my life given where I am from and where I am today. My best friends (my girls) and my cousin Kim have played a big role in my success. They have supported me since day one with tough love, open ears, and constant reminders. They helped me to understand my worth as an individual and as an asset to the community. The love and assurance that I continue to receive from my family is greatly appreciated and sacred because there are many individuals within the LGBTQ+ community that do not have this. My friends continue to inspire me. The nightlife and everyone involved continues to motivate me. I am forever grateful for everyone in my life. I love you and I respect you.

Contact Info:

• Website: kolbykeene.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @kolbykeene

Image Credit:
Sarah Elise Abramson, Nicholas Williams, Davor Bauk, Christopher Ballerdarez

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