As part of our June 2022 Magazine edition, Tejeshwar Sandhoo aka Blueberry Blackout shared his insights on fashion and content creation as part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Digital platforms have given fashion influencers the chance to show people accessible alternatives to look fashionable on a daily basis. And there’s no denying that platforms like Instagram have helped break fashion-related stereotypes like gender-specific clothes. Fashion influencers and many of us feel comfortable enough to wear what we like knowing fully well that the judgment will follow soon. And fashion Influencer and creator Tejeshwar Sandhoo shares his idea of this new wave of fashion, belonging to the Indian LGBTQIA+ community and creating content for a digital audience.
Also Read: 5 reasons why we go back to Malvika Sitlani’s content
Here's what he had to share:
How did your content journey begin?
My content journey began back in 2014 when I was working for an agency, and Delhi literally had no male blogger at that time, so I was like the in-house influencer, then it ventured out to more brands and hasn’t stopped since.
What does Blueberry Blackout mean to you, and how different is he from real-life Tejeshwar?
Blueberryblackout is like a fun alter ego of this person who is so fearless, be it in terms of his fashion or just the way he approaches life. Honestly, there was a very clear and stark difference between the two, but as I’ve grown, I’ve become more like BB. I’m a very private person and like to keep my personal life separate, but now with age, a lot of my real-life fashion and ideologies are overlapping with BB, and I’m taking a lot from him too.
Do you think fashion has changed over the years, especially with the growing popularity of short video platforms?
No one has the time to sit and read a blog anymore like it was when we started. The concept of “fast” fashion now is also the shelf life of video content mixed with the integration of Gen Z + streetwear; a lot has changed and will probably keep evolving even more.
What does Pride mean to you, and have you had the chance to experience the Pride march?
I’ve only attended one pride march, and I remember standing in the middle of 1000s of community members, being so overwhelmed, I just couldn’t stop crying. Pride is about owning who you are and staying true to it no matter what. Nothing should be able to shake you.
You have talked about how image composition helps create a balance between brand briefs and the content you create for them. How do you think brands can be better at representation?
Given my recent interactions with brands during this Pride month, I feel nobody knows what they’re actually supposed to do. And they’re actually failing pretty badly. It’s not just about that one month; if it is, plan your communication well. Make sure the whole integration is done into a larger marketing plan rather than a rainbow logo.
Are there any common (or annoying) questions that you get asked a lot as a queer person?
Hahahahah so many! Will, you ever get married to a guy? (I can’t! Legally) Don’t you miss having kids? (No, I don’t need to save for a college fund)
Has the Indian fashion industry become more open when it comes to inclusivity?
The fashion industry was always inclusive. The influencer industry isn’t.
How would you want allies to be a part of Pride Month?
Ally ship is tricky. It only works if you’re willing to let go of your preconceived notions and understand the community as a whole. All it takes is compassion.
This article was first published in the Social Ketchup Magazine's June 2022 edition.
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