Words by Willie Norris
WILLIE NORRIS is a New York fashion designer with a thing for words. Described by The New York Times as a “master of bringing together” and by NYLON as a “master of subversion," she excels at making the implicit explicit. She approaches fashion with a laser-focused technical eye, making work that brings utility, pleasure, community, and poetry to getting dressed. Known for her iconic tees featuring bold phrases like “PROMOTE HOMOSEXUALITY,” she is the Willie behind WILLIENORRISWORKSHOP. Norris also serves as the acting Chief Creative Officer for tomboyx, a size and gender-inclusive underwear brand, where she continues to shape conversations around fashion, identity, and inclusivity.
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In the past, I’ve written personal narratives about Trans Day of Remembrance, often reflecting unexamined opinions that dismissed the day with a light eye roll, similar to the views expressed during Pride Month and National Coming Out Day. Are these designated times truly helping the cause? What is the cause? Are they, perhaps, further marginalizing us? Doesn’t it suck that we only talk about trans people when they’re gone? I don’t know. Maybe. Yes.
Eventually, I came to accept that this is really a me problem, unworthy of the energy I give to it. Take Trans Day of Remembrance, for example—the fact is, everyone wants to be remembered, proudly and regularly. Why pass up any opportunity to uplift and celebrate the greatness of these trans women who have shaped my world? Their lives and legacies are a testament to strength, resilience, and the power of living authentically. Now, as the political machine puts trans lives even more at risk, it feels all the more important to shine a light on these women. The divas I honor here understood the true depths of their magic during their lifetimes. May we all come to know ours.
Genesis P. Orridge (1950-2020) was (and is!) a multidisciplinary artist who shook the avant-garde scenes of London and New York to their very core. She whispers truths and riddles to me from wherever she may be now. Her exploration of identity has given me a framework for grappling with the complexities of existence. Anyone wrestling with their mortal meat suit might find nourishment in her work, particularly through her band, Throbbing Gristle. Her art challenges norms in profound ways, and so did the way she presented herself—boldly blurring the lines of visual identity in ways I deeply relate to, and that still makes me think... That's it!!! Is anyone seeing this? Her relationship with Lady Jaye was a profound exploration of love that I truly believe in—a beautiful thing, baby.
Cecilia Gentili (1972-2024) was an Argentine-born transgender activist, performer, and advocate, known for her tireless work in promoting transgender rights and visibility, particularly in the United States. The deep sense of interconnectedness within contemporary trans communities is a testament to the life she lived. She understood that building community means addressing conflict—and doing so with grace and humor, an often underestimated tool for real change. Her ability to bring levity into serious conversations gave me the confidence to speak with my imperfect words. The peace she gave me about my body still feels like a kiss on my soul. CECILIA! CECILIA! CECILIA!
Koko Da Doll (1988-2023) was the fiercest of the fierce—a transgender performer and activist who gained recognition for her work as a model and advocate for transgender rights. She became widely known for her role in the documentary Kokomo City, which explores the lives of Black trans sex workers. In the film, she is hilarious, brutally honest, and vividly alive. I think about her often. She wrote a memorable poem about her life: “A regular b*tch could never.” Let us never forget her.
To those still sharing this moment with me: I know the individuals mentioned below well enough to recognize that they are the real ones. Each of them is an icon to me, and that’s what truly matters—icons are deeply personal. They have a profound presence and impact in their fields and among their peers. Let us support them with opportunities and ensure they have financial security while they are here.
Gogo Graham is a New York-based fashion design force like no other—utterly peerless. I’m always studying her work, filled with admiration and curiosity, wondering, How did she get there? Her designs blend seriousness with playfulness, sex with expression, and simulation with reality. Each piece feels alive, engaging with the greater artistic conversation. She brings a captivating blend of muse and creator, collecting ideas and inspirations like treasures in her own video game. She's the coolest.
January Hunt is a NYC-based artist, writer, musician, audio engineer, and personal shero. She shows me how malleable the world is and how we can play with our identities. She embraces shifting identities with such confidence—nothing is set in stone; everything is up for grabs. Just being around her makes me feel less alone, as if she’s connecting the dots of our shared experiences. And yes, she’s beautiful too.
Aaron Rose Philip is a pioneering force in fashion, one of the first Black, disabled models to break into mainstream runways, shattering barriers and redefining beauty. She is my supermodel, my anchor, my daughter in spirit, and the kindest, coolest person I know. Aaron embodies real beauty—one that has little to do with conventional standards and everything to do with her punch-you-in-the-gut, come-as-you-are authenticity. She has galaxy brain like no other—an innate ability to see the world as it is, understand how everything fits together, and, most importantly, know how to change it. Her impact goes far beyond fashion, and her legacy will be felt for generations to come.
