Pride season is upon us, and this year we’re ringing it in by spotlighting the folks who make us proud to show up to work each day — the artists, activists, performers and personalities who make our community shine.
New York-based designer David Mason Chlopecki is the mastermind behind legendary spandex fetish gear label Slick It Up! and a graduate of CalArts and FIT.
1. What are you working on right now that brings you Pride?
Our summer collection is really fun and I always try and push the envelope a teensy bit with something just a little bit “much” that will make people happy and lighten the mood over regarding the “rules” about sex and masculinity.
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
2. Describe your first Pride.
For my first Pride, I asked God for the money for a bus ticket to go to NYC for the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in the ’90s. I was probably 17. Out of nowhere, a check came in the mail. I think it was a tax return but I was so young it was one of my first, and I had no clue. I bought a bus ticket to NYC, came home about 11:30 — which was late — and told my mom I went to a RuPaul “concert”. She was not having it because she knew I went to Pride — but it wasn’t a lie. I saw Ru perform in the park that day!
3. What was your most awkward Pride moment?
I’d say honestly the most awkward Pride moment is when you’re surrounded by thousands of other gays but you still feel like you don’t fit in.
I felt that way for many years.
4. What Pride is on your bucket list?
I’d like to see Atlanta Pride. It’s no biggie, but I’ve never been to Georgia.
5. How will Pride be different this year?
This will be the first time I experience Pride with my husband, who has never been to the pier dance. I’ve only been once — when it was Cher, of course.
6. What’s your ultimate Pride song?
“Nukleopatra” by Dead or Alive. Nothing is more self-actualizing.
7. What’s your ideal Pride outfit?
This year, my look is going to be our Ramses shorts (I think).
Or white Nike leggings and our Quarter tee.
