Meet the members making us proud

Pride celebrations have officially begun in many parts of the world this month, and Soho House members are among those leading the charge. An integral part of our community, our LGBTQIA2S+ members have made Soho House what it is today: a safe and inclusive creative space where being and expressing your most authentic self is not only championed, but encouraged.

Here, we spotlight just a few of our global members, from Hong Kong to Nashville and London to Tel Aviv, who make us proud by living and thriving in their truth. 

Rosie Jones (@josierones)
Shoreditch House member 

Rosie Jones is a British comedian, writer and actor who has appeared on TV shows such as Live At The Apollo, The Last Leg, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, QI and her own Channel 4 travel show Trip Hazard. She has also written a series of children’s books called The Amazing Edie Eckhart.

How did you find your pride? 
‘For many years I believed that in order to be a “good gay”, I should be flinging myself around Soho during the parade in a rainbow, glittery bikini. But as I grow older, I’ve realised that simply isn’t me. Having cerebral palsy means that crowds are extremely difficult for me to be in, as I normally get knocked around and pushed over. Pride for me now is usually having a few cocktails with my closest queer friends.’ 

How does being part of Soho House help?
‘Soho House is often my safe space; a place where I can work, see friends, and go on dates. The Houses allow me to be myself.’

What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘Pride to me is so much more than a day, a month or a parade. Pride is being proud to be queer every single day. It is educating others on queer history and queer culture. And, most importantly, it is about fighting for queer rights all around the world. The fight isn’t over.’

Octavia Yearwood (@octavia_yearwood)
Soho Beach House Miami member 

Octavia Yearwood is a writer, producer, public speaker and life coach based in Miami. As a valued Soho Beach House member, her multifaceted creativity and advocacy for living authentically continues to inspire others.  

How did you find your pride? 
‘Growing up I was afraid of my queerness, because of all the homophobia going on in my environment. And as I got older, I found other reasons to keep it to myself, like being an educator. It wasn’t until I was in my thirties and I founded my queer women’s membership club, This Girls Lunchbox, that I grew more comfortable. Creating it was actually my “coming out”.’ 
 
How does being part of Soho House help?
‘Soho House helped me expand my practice as a cultural curator and artist. I love that I can share my ideas and execute them. I love that I can create programming that brings both members and non-members together to discuss ideas and connect. Over the years, I have been able to execute my Queerchella concept with Soho House, gathering members across the world together.’ 

What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘It means growth, deepening community bonds and, for me, it will always mean togetherness.’

Jeuru (@jeuru)
Soho House Copenhagen member 

Jeuru is a singer-songwriter and model who was born and raised in New York, and is now based in Copenhagen where he is a local Soho House member. In 2018, he signed with Sony Music and released his first EP King Of The Cruel. He’s currently working on his debut album. 

How did you find your pride? 
‘I always found that being myself, authentically, has been the most rewarding thing in life. No matter how weird it may feel or how many times other people can try to make you question yourself, the greatest gift I ever gave to myself was having pride in being who I am. It’s led me to the many great places I have been and where I am today.’ 
 
How does being part of Soho House help?
‘In 2023, representation is more important than ever. Being a part of the Soho House community and being a member who is queer really does open up a space for more people to feel comfortable and welcomed as they are. Having a creative hive and community of people who can come together and share ideas in a safe space is beautiful thing to take pride in.’ 
 
What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘Taking time to appreciate and celebrate yourself, and standing up for the things that make you and other people unique in this world. Marsha P. Johnson did just that, not only for herself, but for others alike who lived the same experience – and thanks to that we live better lives today.’
 

Dorith Mous (@dorithmous)
Soho House Amsterdam member  

Dorith Mous is a multi-disciplinary artist with a strong humanitarian vision. Through her work in filmmaking – her main craft – she softly pushes the envelope, aiming to remove stigmas that weigh down on the human experience and the challenges that may come with it. 
 
How did you find your pride?
‘My pride is found in the humbling fact that several generations before me have ensured the freedom I now find myself having in any of my expressions. They do me proud and I am grateful.’ 
 
How does being part of Soho House help?
‘Soho House is a home away from home, meaning you should be able to fully express your true self without being judged. One House in particular, Mumbai, became my true safe space. Safe places such as these are massively important.’ 
 
What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘Pride knows many forms today, but I believe there’s still work to be done.’
 

Mekel Bailey (@mekelbailey)
Shoreditch House member

Mekel Bailey is a London-based costume designer and stylist with more than 15 years of experience working in film, TV, commercials, promos, and celebrity styling. 

How did you find your pride? 
‘Finding my pride stems back to my childhood. I’m forever grateful that my mum and family were very open minded, and always empowered me to freely express myself as a little boy who loved to perform and be creative. I was never held back, which gave me the power and confidence to be able to grow and find my pride.’ 

How does being part of Soho House help?
‘Being a member helps because I get to meet and connect with various individuals who are bold, imaginative and know their power. It’s also a safe place where you can just be yourself with no judgement.’
  
What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘Pride to me in 2023 is the new renaissance. It’s about truly loving and empowering each other. It’s being true to yourself and embodying your authenticity. It’s being courageous and standing up for what you believe in.’ 

Joe Lam (@hklgff)
Soho House Hong Kong member 
  
Joe Lam is director of the Hong Kong Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, and previously published the gay magazine, Dim Sum. He has been actively involved in the LGBTQIA2S+ community in Hong Kong for the past 20 years.

How did you find your pride? 
‘I find pride in the impact I have made on people. Over the years, I have witnessed different generations of audiences attending our festival, and their reactions and appreciation for the event continue to give me joy. I have also worked on numerous MSM sexual health projects, contributing to the local community.’

How does being part of Soho House help?
‘Soho House Hong Kong has been a part of our film festival for the past three years, offering opportunities to screen our films and engage with audiences beyond our usual reach. This partnership has been invaluable in introducing new perspectives and ideas to a broader audience.’

What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘For me, 2023 is a year of celebration. Hong Kong and its cinemas are now fully open without any COVID-19 restrictions, and we are planning a grand comeback party in September. Plus, the Gay Games will be held in Hong Kong in November, marking the first time it is being hosted in Asia. It’s truly a year filled with pride.’

Dornika Kazerani (@manyfacedgodx)
Soho House Berlin member 

Dornika Kazerani is a Tehran-born, Berlin-based artist, singer-songwriter, rapper and music producer. Also known in the vibrant Berlin queer underground by her drag persona, Many Faced Godx, she is as versatile with her sound as she is with her looks, defying genre as well as gender expectations. 

How did you find your pride? 
‘I find pride in believing in my authentic self. I believe we all have love and guidance within us – it can just get muddy when people hurt us and make us doubt ourselves. That’s why community and representation is important; we need to validate and care for one another. I’m grateful to queer people everywhere that do this work.’ 

How does being part of Soho House help?
‘One of my favourite things about Soho House is the queer and queer-friendly staff. It’s amazing to have so many diverse events and people all around the House. It’s part of the reason I enjoy going there.’

What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘Pride is about carrying on the fight that needs to be fought for equality across the globe. It’s a celebration of the queer community and a chance to become more aware of our power, and the issues that need our support. Right now, its super capitalistic, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not still a protest.’ 

Genderika (@genderika)
Soho House Tel Aviv, Jaffa member 

Erika Kolosov, known as Erika Histerika Genderika Miss Amerika, is a Tel Aviv-based, non-binary DJ and full-time drag queen who’s known for hosting iconic drag show events in the city. 

How did you find your pride? 
‘I found my pride from my friends around me. Growing up, I was very afraid and vulnerable. I didn’t accept my queerness and I was bullied at school, but I eventually realised I wasn’t alone. That’s when I decided to embrace my fierceness and make a career out of it.’ 

How does being part of Soho House help?
‘I host drag bingo at the House once a month, where I talk sh*t about everyone and everything. I love that my ideas are coming into reality, the Houses are a chic place to do that.’

What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘More than ever, I feel pride in who I am. In Israel, things are getting worse for the community, but I stand up against all of the hatred and feel it’s even more important now to shout loudly about my belief.  You can’t erase us – we are going to stand proud forever.’

Fancy Hagood (@fancyhagood)
Soho House Nashville member

Fancy Hagood is an artist from Bentonville, Arkansas who now lives and makes music in Nashville. In 2021 he released his debut album, Southern Curiosity, which was nominated for Best Country Record at The Libera Awards 2022. Meanwhile, his follow-up single ‘Blue Dream Baby,’ featuring Grammy Award winner Kacey Musgraves, was released last summer. Hagood will release his sophomore album later this year. 

How did you find your pride? 
‘I find my pride by being myself unapologetically every single day, celebrating all the things that make me different, and encouraging others to do the same.’

How does being part of Soho House help?
‘It has helped by allowing me to have a creative, diverse, safe space that celebrates creativity and community – two things that are very important to me.’ 

What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘It means freedom. It’s as important today in 2023 as it ever has been, as we see all of the anti-LGBTQIA2S+ legislation being put into motion all across the United States, especially in Tennessee.’

May Chow (@chefmaychow)
Soho House Hong Kong member 

May Chow is widely recognised as one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant, gifted and esteemed culinary personalities. Crowned Asia’s Best Female Chef in 2017, she owns Little Bao restaurants and has appeared on the TV series Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.

How did you find your pride? 
‘I recall a vivid memory in my college years where I expressed to my friend a strong desire to simply listen to music and dance through the busy streets in Boston. To me, that is pride: the ability to express oneself with sheer joy, without fear of judgement, feeling safe in our surroundings. To be able to celebrate and be celebrated.’

How does being part of Soho House help?
‘Soho House represents a celebration of originality, uniqueness, and thinking outside the box. It’s a place for events that foster inclusivity, while also challenging the status quo. It houses members like us who are eager to support one another’s audacious dreams and ambitions.’ 

What does Pride mean to you in 2023?
‘Pride for me this year is going out of my comfort zone and extending to more allies. I have always had supportive friends and I’m excited for what we can do together with an extended circle of supporters. This is a marathon and not a sprint, so we continue to hope to grow in a long-lasting way and build meaningful connections.’ 

Visit our events page for more details on what’s happening for Pride around the Houses this month