You may know Andrew Gelwicks as the fashion stylist for celebrities like Catherine O’Hara, Dominique Jackson, Lisa Rinna, and Jo Ellen Pellman. As if he wasn’t busy enough, for the last two years, Gelwicks also quietly worked on a new venture – his debut book.
Titled The Queer Advantage, Gelwicks set out to rewrite the narrative around queer identity that can often skew negative. Growing up in Ohio, the author, like so many LGBTQ+ individuals, grew up feeling lonely and out of place. Now, the first-time author wants to shift said narrative towards one of power and liberation for the future generation.
Gelwicks assembled over 50 luminaries from the worlds of athletics, film, music, and fashion. The book features interviews with CFDA member Michael Kors, Troye Sivan, Margaret Cho, Adam Rippon, and more – all of which are centered around the power that comes with the queer identity.
In honor of Pride Month, we spoke with the author on his latest creative endeavor.
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Growing up in Cincinatti, what was your experience like as a young queer individual?
Growing up in Cincinnati and coming to understand I was queer was an immensely painful, confusing, and nearly life-ending experience. Other kids and society as a whole made me feel “less than” and “not normal.” And as a young person, all you want is to be normal – to fit in, feel accepted. It’s a very lonely process.
Where did the idea for this book start, and why was this important for you to write?
For so much of my life I viewed being queer as a disadvantage. And I finally got to a place where I was able to reflect on my life — both personal and professional — and reevaluate. I realized that being queer has in fact been an asset – something that has been immensely powerful in helping me chase my dreams and realize the life I always wanted, but never thought would be possible. Once I had that realization, I was curious whether other people agreed with me – specifically the most successful queer leaders. Once I saw that I wasn’t alone in thinking this, I felt passionate about creating something where people of all ages and backgrounds can turn to to realize and find their own queer advantages.
You spoke to so many incredible trailblazers for this project! How did you track them down, and what was their initial response to the project?
Wrangling all 51 leaders was a long process. It was a lot of research, trial and error, and extensive conversations. Ultimately though, everyone who participated immediately understood where I was coming from and what I was trying to achieve.
Were there any people or interviews that stood out to you or surprised you?
I was surprised by the extent to which the queer advantage extended in each person’s life. Every leader was unique in their perspective, which was exciting to see.
What has the response been since you released the book?
There has been an overwhelmingly positive response to the book since its release. It’s really rewarding to see people reading it, and hearing stories about the way people have benefited from the stories.
What do you want readers to take away from the book?
The takeaway will be different for each person. For those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community, I want them to feel inspired, excited, and energized by who they are and the possibilities and opportunities in front of them.
Purchase your copy of ‘The Queer Advantage’ here.
