I'm excited to start the House of Xpression brand. Every time I transition in my career I always think about the young, scared middle school boy that I used to be. I had so much to give to the world but I was told to keep it all inside. I was a feminine, gay, black little child that was scared to love myself for who I was. Because of my extensive experience in life situations like this, I made it my mission to live out loud. AdrianXpression. Expression was something that I was not allowed to do--and if I did, it would cost heavily.

I take a look at what is happening around me today, especially in the political realm. I can only imagine how terrified these young (black) LGBT people are in the face of all the hatred and destructive policies that continue to surround us. I feel the fear even as a 24 year old, so there is no telling the amount of confusion and self-hatred that teens and kids are going through. I remember as a middle schooler that I would look to inspirational gay social media personalities. If they could live their lives how they wanted to, then maybe I could as well.

So I'm simply here to return the favor. I am here to use these platforms that I've built as a way to encourage not only myself but every single boy and girl who have been struggling like I used to in middle school. I'm here to use this brand to uplift every human being who feels tossed aside by the society that has been built to reject us. I'm here to speak for those who feel ignored and to show out for those who feel hidden. I'm here to ferociously defend those who don't feel like they can defend themselves. I'm here to join up with others and participate in a movement that will spread the news of hope and power to every minority that feels helpless. We will make it. Shit--we've made it through everything else.

So I'm taking this time to say thank you to everyone. Thanks to everyone who believes in my vision. Thanks to everyone who continues to support the efforts that I'm making. This is much harder than I think I make it look sometimes. I go through frequent periods of depression, mental instability and intense financial hardships. But the undying support and the never ending words of encouragement that come from all the members of the Adrian Army/House of Xpression has kept this whole thing alive. It would not be anything without you all. I hope that I can give as much to you as you've given to me. Thank you.