Innovative designs and vibrant fabrics were not the only things taking up space at dapperQs recent New York Fashion Week show at the Brooklyn Museum.

On Sept. 5, the annual dapperQ event, billed as NYFWs largest LGBTQIA+ fashion show and known for its celebratory boisterousness and activism, marked its ninth year and it did not fail to deliver. Powerful performances punctuating the runway show highlighted global violence and our resistance, especially anti-Blackness, the need for transgender- and queer-inclusive health care, and body positivity. Models strutted to pop songs and freedom as well as the rhythmic, resounding calls from the audience. Looks were served, but the event was also a reminder that style is inherently political.

The show started with chants supporting Palestinian liberation reverberating throughout the museums rotunda, which set a mood immediately. Soon after, the brand FreeMen by Mickey featured a Black queer model death-dropping on the runway to Teyana Taylors WTP, a musical nod to queer ballroom culture. The fact that all of this happened in a space thats been accused of perpetuating colonialism injected energy into the audience that lasted until the very end. The overarching theme was palpable: Resistance is always in style.