Desmond Napoles

Desmond Napoles is a trailblazing figure in the LGBTQ+ community, renowned for their advocacy, modeling, writing, and public speaking.

As a designer, Desmond founded the clothing brand Be Amazing NYC in 2021, then closed the store in December 2023 to prepare for college.

They have garnered widespread attention for their activism and achievements, having been featured in high-profile media outlets such as The New York Times, NBC News, Teen Vogue, and OUT Magazine.

Despite being still in high school, Desmond has accomplished a great deal. They have used their platform to raise awareness about critical issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, including HIV/AIDS education and prevention, LGBTQ+ youth homelessness, equal rights, and diversity in education. Additionally, Desmond is passionate about promoting sustainability in fashion and addressing climate change.

Through their various endeavors, Desmond aims to promote inclusivity and empower LGBTQ+ youth. They actively seek to challenge stereotypes and promote more accurate representations of the LGBTQ+ community in the media. Desmond accomplishes this through speaking engagements, social media outreach, and community service.

Desmond's impact goes far beyond their accomplishments and media attention. Their work has had a tangible impact on the lives of countless LGBTQ+ youth, providing hope, support, and resources to those who need it most. They have demonstrated that it is possible to overcome adversity, pursue your passions, and make a difference in the world, no matter your age or background.

Ultimately, Desmond's mission is to inspire people of all ages to embrace their authentic selves and pursue their passions fearlessly. Their motto, "Be yourself, always," encapsulates this belief, and they strive to spread this message of self-acceptance and empowerment to everyone they encounter.

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Desmond has walked the runways at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for several designers including Gypsy Sport, The Blonds x Disney Villains, Nicopanda's MAC Cosmetics collaboration with Macy's, Larry Underwood, Richerette, Daniel Chimowitz, Dope Tavio, PimComedy, Adrian Alicea, Rebirth Garments, and MRHUA MRSHUA.

Additional collaborations include Brussels Airlines, Canon USA, Chimera Lashes, Claire's Stores, Converse, Daftboy Fans, Drag Queen Merch, Fluide Beauty, GLAAD, GLSEN, Human Rights Campaign, Luar x The Love Ball, Lush Cosmetics, Manic Panic NYC, Marc Jacobs, Mattel, NYC Pride, Sho Konishi, The Phluid Project, Unicef Changing Childhood Project, United Nations Envionmental Programme Sustainable Living Challenge, and United Nations Anatomy of Action Campaign. They were recently a host on Heatherette designer Richie Rich's makeup metaverse, BTYKWN.

In 2020, Desmond wrote and published the children's book, "Be Amazing: A History of Pride".

Desmond has largely retired from doing drag or performance since 2020, but may still choose to perform or host on a selective basis for non-profit and family-friendly events that align with their values or fundraise for a community event.

In April 2021, Desmond successfully launched their own fashion brand, Be Amazing NYC, which featured a streetwear line of unisex apparel and footwear that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and body positivity. Be Amazing NYC closed in December 2023, so Desmond could focus on preparing for college.

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Desmond lives in New York City with their parents (Mom and Dad) and their family pets that include a cat and four parrots.

Hobbies include playing video games, graphic design, experimenting with makeup, creating content to share with their fans, visiting amusement parks, hand drawing maps, studying trains, fashion design, website design, acting and hiking.

In addition, Desmond is the youngest member of the House of Soulja in the New York City ballroom community walking in the Runway Category.

Desmond is dedicated to local community service including participating in the Teen Activist Program at the New York Civil Liberties Union and the New York Public Library's Teen Volunteer program. Desmond is on the advisory board of the Born This Way Foundation.

Desmond's favorite subject in school is English language studies. After high school, they would like to attend fashion school. They would also like to pursue a career as a train engineer one day.

Desmond has a strong vision for the future, including authoring and editing a magazine for LGBTQ+ teens and young adults called "Amaze for Days Magazine." They are committed to making this publication a reality, as well as producing a live talent show exclusively for LGBTQ+ teens that will serve as a fundraiser for homeless LGBTQ+ youth.

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