Queer Originals

Meet Queer Originals, a fashion project lead by Queer Cumbria and documented by Rhys Robert Thompson

In March 2025 Queer Cumbria had the pleasure of working alongside textile artist and fashion bad boy Dr Noki to create some custom items previously destined for landfill. The process channelled Dr Noki’s rebellious approach to clothing design, incorporating DIY elements, wordplay and anti-fashion attitude. Big brand names were destroyed and new words created, reclaimed and worn proudly on re-loved sweatshirts. We also created classic Nokizines – two teeshirts sewn together, slashed and customised with marker pens, paint and safety pins.

The project included the release of our first line of merchandise – stickers, keyrings, badges and our ever so popular ‘I Went to Cumbria and Turned into a Dyke’ teeshirt. Our tee pays homage to the important and lasting legacy of the Rebel Dykes, who paved the way for many of the freedoms we enjoy as Queer people today.

Remaining merch is available to buy on our website www.queercumbria.com.

We know that the county is chockers with very cool, very stylish and very Queer folk, so who better to showcase Queer Cumbria clothing than Queer Cumbrians themselves? We travelled far and wide with photographer Rhys Robert Smith to document our community for the following body of work, which was also exhibited in Colours, Whitehaven and The Closet, Carlisle.

We wanted to introduce you to Kei, Pragya, Johnny and Savannah…four Queer Originals documented in Barrow and Carlisle. Check out the full collection of images in Issue 6 of Queer Cumbria magazine, coming at the end of June!