Meet Kirby (They/Them) and Ember (She/Her), two remarkable individuals on unique journeys of self-discovery and authenticity. After coming out at 41, Kirby found immense freedom and relief. With Ember by their side, they both strive to create visibility and community for late-in-life queer individuals. Let's take a look at their journey to help others and how our clothing helps secure their confidence and allows them to be out and proud!
Tell us about yourself, who are Kirby and Ember?
Kirby: They/Them, Wisconsin transplant. Social media manager for Sargento Cheese. Came out at 41 years old. Singer/Songwriter in a band called You Go First. Started a podcast called Fashionably Late with Ember where we share our entire coming out journey in real time. Every Monday we drop a new episode! Previous married twice to men, and have 3 boys. Happy I finally found myself after years of searching!
Ember: She/Her, ColoRADo. Social media manager to all our Fashionably Late platforms; Patreon, Instagram, and TikTok. I have recently started my career journey as a Reading & Writing Paraprofessional after being a SAHM to 5 boys for 8+ years off and on.
When do you feel like your most authentic self?
Ember: She/Her, ColoRADo. Social media manager to all our Fashionably Late platforms; Patreon, Instagram, and TikTok. I have recently started my career journey as a Reading & Writing Paraprofessional after being a SAHM to 5 boys for 8+ years off and on.
When do you feel like your most authentic self?
Kirby: I feel more and more like my most authentic self while on my coming out journey. I look back on this past year and can’t believe how far I’ve come. Not only did I come out lesbian I came out nonbinary. I feel a huge weight lifted and more free than I have ever felt.
Ember: I feel like my most authentic self when I am able to freely speak my mind and share my journey. Whether that’s through a TikTok video, a podcast recording, or a simple text message. I gain more confidence within myself every time that I am able to step into my authenticity and speak on it publicly.
Ember: I feel like my most authentic self when I am able to freely speak my mind and share my journey. Whether that’s through a TikTok video, a podcast recording, or a simple text message. I gain more confidence within myself every time that I am able to step into my authenticity and speak on it publicly.
Existing as a queer person in the US is becoming increasingly more difficult. How do you remain positive in today's climate?
Kirby: I remain positive by continuing to share my journey publicly to create visibility and awareness for other late in life queer people. I believe in the power of community and strive to be a fellow leader in the LGBTQ+A space. I believe all humans should have the freedom to express themselves freely without backlash.
Ember: I steadily remind myself of why I started this journey & that helps ground me when I’m feeling uncertainty or doubt, and it reminds me of how far I have come and how much happier I am now that I am living my most authentic life. Sharing my journey and continuing to connect with new people can always shed positivity in my day to day as well.
What is most important to you when shopping for clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident?
Ember: I steadily remind myself of why I started this journey & that helps ground me when I’m feeling uncertainty or doubt, and it reminds me of how far I have come and how much happier I am now that I am living my most authentic life. Sharing my journey and continuing to connect with new people can always shed positivity in my day to day as well.
What is most important to you when shopping for clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident?
Kirby: I prefer my clothing to have a masculine style. I tend to be drawn to more loose fitting clothing. I feel most comfortable in soft fabric. I feel most confident when I feel androgynous.
Ember: I like my clothing to make me feel confident in my body while also allowing a level of comfort and fashion. I find myself shopping in both the women’s AND men’s sections and like to switch up my style often.
What are your favorite products from Humankind?
Ember: I like my clothing to make me feel confident in my body while also allowing a level of comfort and fashion. I find myself shopping in both the women’s AND men’s sections and like to switch up my style often.
What are your favorite products from Humankind?
Kirby: I LOVE the comfort of the trunks from Humankind. The pockets give me LIFE! I never thought I could wear trunks until I received my first Humankind swimwear. It wasn’t until then that I realized all my suits before that were simply for others to enjoy. This is my second summer wearing Humankind swimwear and I’ll never go back to a bikini.
Ember: I love pairing my one piece under my Pride (Rainbow Stripe) Trunks! They’re my favorite. I think it gives it a cute fem(ish) look that I prefer, allowing me to feel out and proud, while supplying a top level of comfort and still feeling confident in my “mom bod”. The rainbow stripe top also doubles as really great sports bra with some leggings to work out in for my fitness friends!
Ember: I love pairing my one piece under my Pride (Rainbow Stripe) Trunks! They’re my favorite. I think it gives it a cute fem(ish) look that I prefer, allowing me to feel out and proud, while supplying a top level of comfort and still feeling confident in my “mom bod”. The rainbow stripe top also doubles as really great sports bra with some leggings to work out in for my fitness friends!