BRINGING LGBTQ2S+, NATIVE REPRESENTATION TO FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY

SEAN PARRISH

hile attending Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas, two-spirit Diné photographer Sean Parrish grew an interest W in photography while working for the college’s newspaper. Now, two years later, Paye’s pursuing fashion photography in hopes of bringing Native and LGBTQ2S+ representation and visibility to the fashion community.

What is your name? What would you instead be called in this interview?

Ya’at’ééh! Shik’éí dóó shidiné. Shí éí Sean Parrish yinishyé. Hello my name is Sean Parrish, but I recently rebranded, so I prefer to go by Paye (P-ay)

Where are you originally from?

Originally I am from Arizona. But my adolescent upbringing occurred primarily in the Midwest.

When did you become interested in photography? What about fashion photography?

My interest in photography emerged two years ago at Haskell Indian Nations University during my time as a student journalist for the oldest Native American student newspaper, “The Indian Leader.” As for fashion photography, I’ve always had an interest in it, but I never pursued it during my undergraduate years. I think it just took me to move 1,228 miles from Kansas to Arizona to focus on it finally.

How did you pursue fashion photography? What do you hope to contribute to the fashion industry?

My journey within the fashion photography industry started when I attended my first fashion

Julissa Shell (Tohono O’odham/African American) posing in Downtown Phoenix while wearing Native American-owned brand: Hustle Tribe. Photo by Paye.

show, which was the Indigenous Art + Fashion at The Churchill in Phoenix, Arizona. Ever since then, I have attended numerous shows and worked with countless talented models. One goal that I do have in mind when it comes to contributing to the fashion industry is to add more Native representation and visibility. Also, I strive to make an impact by establishing a pathway for the future of aspiring Native photographers.

Describe your style of photography. What makes you stand out from other photographers?

If I were to use one word to describe my style, it would be eccentric. My art encompasses energy that is captivating, elegant, and exquisite. Being a young, creative, and culturallyempowered Diné man will always make me stand out from others. It is also the same thing that has allowed and will continue to allow me to connect with other creatives from all types of backgrounds.

Why is it essential to have LGBTQ2S+ representation in the fashion industry?

I think it’s essential to have a representation of all types, specifically LGBTQ2S+, because our creativity and our perspectives are unmatched.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I see myself living a life that I am meant to live. I don’t know where I’ll be exactly. I might be in Taiwan riding an elephant, residing in Singapore, working for Native Max Magazine, or living on my tribal homelands, empowering my people. Regardless of where I will be, I will be centered around secure communication, respectful

ness, and cultural empowerment because I believe it is my duty to not only succeed and do the very best I can but to motivate others to do so as well.

Due to the stay at home order, what have you been up to? How have you been keeping yourself busy?

Living in a city with 1.7 million people had me nervous about going out. How I kept myself occupied during the lockdown was by hiking, reading, hanging out with my COVID-19-free friends, and doing some very important personal self-development. With the state of Arizona opening up, I’ve wanted to book clients, but my mind has changed since I found out that the county I live in, Maricopa, has the highest amount of confirmed cases (20,000+) in the whole state.

Follow Paye on Instagram at @paye.productions.

Left: Andrea Tso (Diné) posing in Gilbert gym wearing Native Americanowned brand Hustle Tribe. Below: Nizhóní Renéé (Diné/African American) posing for a Phoenix vintage clothing store The Ghost Vintage. Photos by Paye.