BLEND OUT by DIAGEO Panel Discussion with Janet Mock, Jon Gray, Luke Lawal, Phillip Lim, and Yvonne Guidry Celebrating Those Who ‘BLEND OUT’ in NYC

BLEND OUT by DIAGEO hosted an intimate panel discussion in celebration of toasting to multi-hyphenate creators who refuse to blend in by showing up as their authentic selves — bringing all forms of their identities together to drive greater inclusion for all.

Invited guests had an opportunity to enjoy an evening of authentic conversations during the featured candid dialogue with Entrepreneur Jon Gray of Ghetto Gastro, Entrepreneur & Philanthropist Luke Lawal Jr of HBCU Buzz, Fashion Designer Phillip Lim, and Cultural Architect Yvonne Guidry of Spoiled Latina moderated by New York Times best-selling Author, Director, Producer and Writer Janet Mock while enjoying, curated cocktails by CÎROC, Crown Royal, Tequila Don Julio, Johnnie Walker and Seedlip.

When a guest in the audience asked the panelists, “What was a definitive moment in your life that solidified that you were making an impact and being the change, you wish to see?” Janet Mock stated, “I knew that I had to get out there and create space for us all to share our almost authentic stories, I wanted to not only tell my story but the story about the power of Black trans and queer people!”

The event also included a BLEND OUT pop up bar where guests engaged in 1:1 conversations that explored the depths of one’s identity and the journey to self-expression, as well as light bites from Eat Okra, and tunes by DJ Quiana Parks and DJ King Marie. Additional guests in attendance included Singer Paulina Singer, Afrobeat artist Young Paris, Fashion Designer Romeo Hunte, & many more!

Photo Credit: BFA Photographer: Hannah Turner-Harts | BFA Editor: Keith Tiner