Meet Lily Chrones (they/them), a multi-talented New Yorker. Passionate about gender education and fueled by the need for proper representation, they founded Euphoria Theatre Company to celebrate queer and trans resilience and joy, Join us as we explore Lily's journey through navigating the spotlight in the community and how they found swimwear to showcase and compliment their authentic self.
Tell us about yourself, who is Lily?
Hello! My name is Lily Chrones (they/them) and I am a New York based actor, producer, playwright, activist, stylist and makeup artist with a passion for gender education. After becoming tired of seeing my LGBTQIA+ community underrepresented and misrepresented in the media, I founded Euphoria Theatre Company which celebrates queer trans joy and resilience. As a theatre artist I seek to create new stories that encompass and highlight marginalized identities, ideally sparking critical conversations that lead to action. Recently I have really been enjoying making content on Tiktok, YouTube and Instagram as another form of educating others and uplifting my community!
When do you feel like your most authentic self?
When do you feel like your most authentic self?
I feel like my most authentic self when I am being accepted and seen as the queer non-binary person that I am by those around me. I love this question because I am extremely passionate about empowering others to embrace their authenticity. The beautiful thing about authenticity that I have come to realize is that it can change as we exist in the world and discover more about ourselves. I had never felt more like my most authentic self until I got top surgery in June of 2022. For the first time in my life I felt at home in my body, a feeling I hadn’t felt since before I hit puberty at ten years old. It’s not easy, but I believe authenticity starts with practicing true self love and acceptance. For me that means choosing to embrace who I am at my core every day and knowing that I am valid regardless of what anyone else has to say about me or my identities. I always say that as long as I’m happy with myself and believe in what I’m doing, that's all that matters.
Existing as a queer person in the US is becoming increasingly more difficult. How do you remain positive in today's climate?
Being a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, so many people will try to invalidate and diminish who we are because they are uncomfortable with something they do not wish to understand. What motivates me to stay positive despite how much loathing there still is for the community that I love so much is that for every hate comment there are twice as many kind, thankful, and uplifting comments. These comments remind me there are truly so many people who love and support us. Visibility and practicing radical joy are two of my favorite forms of activism—just by being out and proud we are claiming our right to happiness and showing the world we are here to stay.
What is most important to you when shopping for clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident?
Feeling euphoric in what I wear is the number one thing I strive for when shopping for clothes. I love experimenting with all different styles from femme to masc and everything in between. However I choose to present, I aim to feel excitement and joy in whatever I am wearing.
What are your favorite products from Humankind?
My favorite products from Humankind are hands down my swim shirt and swim trunks. I take my scar care very seriously and love that the swim shirt has UV protection so I can protect my scars from harsh rays that could darken and irritate them. The swim trunks fit like a glove and have the cutest color-block pattern, which is exciting because it’s so hard for me to find stylish swimwear that fits! The material is super light and comfortable and they dry so fast. Both of these are definitely a must for my pool/beach days!