A Conversation with Yves Mathieu East

Yves—you are one of the most beautiful and unique humans I’ve come across on the internet. We all have an open impression of you, but if someone was to ask you, “who is Yves?” What would you say?

What a kind thing to say. I really appreciate that, and as far as who I am?

Haha, it depends on the day; some days I feel invincible, some days I wish I was invisible, but despite that duality of feelings, I’m just a guy who cares a lot, sometimes too much, and I love to dance haha. 

How does one deal with the adversities of being a bi-racial, queer creative? What would you say is your biggest inspiration to continue to stand up for human rights, LBGTQIA+ rights, Black rights, women’s rights, etc.?

I think that no matter how many people have walked your path before you, there’s always going to be intricacies and specific details to your life that make it your own, and I learned that and am learning that every step of the way; I see me being a beautiful dark skinned mixed race person and queer as a gift and a superpower, especially when there’s always so much against us, sometimes we face friction from our own people, that’s how I know we’re special, and also that some folks just won’t be understood, and I’m “some folks.” So what inspires me to keep going are the folks who fall in between the cracks and get forgotten, just because they’re forgotten doesn’t mean they’re not fierce. 

Your music plays a significant role in social media presence. What message do you want people to know and understand about it?

I love my music so much, I write every single lyric that you hear from me. I want people to know that you can sing a sad memory to a groovy tune, and if you fuck with it, then you’ve already won. 

You also use fashion as a tool for advocacy. Can you explain how you incorporate modeling as a tool to make political statements? Do you collaborate with fashion designers or make your own clothes?

Fashion is like the lungs of pop culture, it breathes so much into how we navigate in this industry, whether it’s film, music, or theater, fashion is involved and I like to utilize my space in there to make people look but most importantly think. I collaborate and also make my own stuff and by make my own stuff I mean take a pair of scissors and snip until I’m satisfied haha. 

What is your most significant take away from life thus far?

Nobody knows what they’re doing. 

What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

Hopefully still alive, touring, working on getting a teaching degree.

Thank you for taking the time to interview me. What advice would you give those who follow you and want to get into advocacy work to help build and maintain a sense of confidence?

Help your neighbor first.

Are there any organizations that you would like to plug for the audience to support?

Black trans travel fund, the transgender district, house of tulip