Meet Benjamin Coy

We were lucky to catch up with Benjamin Coy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Benjamin, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room has never been a choice—it’s been a reality. Whether I’m the only Black body and/or queer body–I’ve grown accustomed to being the only one in the room, the stares, the questions and even the negative pushback. At one point, it started to take a toll on my confidence and ability to see myself beyond people’s perception. But over time, I’ve learned, through experience and conversations with other folx in similar positions, that my presence alone is powerful. I now walk into these spaces (with my 6-inch pumps) knowing that I belong, even when the room wasn’t designed for me.

Success in these moments comes from three key things: confidence, preparation, and community.

Confidence means owning my perspective, my expertise, and my uniqueness without shrinking myself to fit into someone else’s mold. I don’t wait for validation—I bring it with me. Preparation reminds me that I’m not just present but impactful. I stay sharp, informed, and ready to contribute, because when you’re the only one, you don’t always get the luxury of a second chance to prove why you deserve a seat at the table.

And lastly, community is everything. I know that while I may be the only one in the room at that moment, I’m never truly alone. I carry the voices, stories, and support of my ancestors and those who have poured into me, and I make sure to open doors for others to follow.

If I can be the first, I make damn sure I’m not the last.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am an award-winning digital strategist, fashion creative, and culture commentator who has found true comfort at the intersection of fashion, media, and advocacy.

As a digital strategist, I blend storytelling, strategy, and culture to amplify marginalized voices and foster meaningful conversations. With a strong foundation in digital communication, event logistics, and brand development, I’ve built a career that not only showcases creativity but also drives impact. My work focuses on mission-driven projects that require dedicated marketing strategies to expand the digital footprint of organizations, public figures, and brands. At the heart of my efforts is a deep commitment to Black queer liberation, representation, and intersectionality—shaping narratives and mobilizing communities for equity and justice. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with HBCUs, nonprofits, Harlem’s Fashion Row, and numerous political and entertainment figures, all with the goal of building platforms for visibility and change. In 2024, I was honored to be named in PR Week’s Pride in PR list of 30 inspirational LGBTQ+ PR practitioners worldwide.

Beyond strategy and advocacy, I have also carved out a space in media and entertainment. As co-founder of the Cocktails and Culture Podcast, my co-host, Brigethia, and I engage in thought-provoking conversations on identity, art, and culture—all while keeping things fun and engaging. Additionally, I host The National LGBTQ Task Force’s Instagram Live series, X is a Queer Issue, which explores the intersectional challenges the Queer community faces.

My passion for fashion and style is another integral part of my journey. As a fashion creative, I have experience as a stylist, fashion show producer, creative director, model, and recurring red carpet review panelist on Washington, D.C.’s lifestyle talk show, Living Local DMV.

This year, I’m excited to continue pushing boundaries—whether through live events, strategic campaigns, or digital content that sparks conversation and action. There’s so much more to come, and I can’t wait to keep creating, collaborating, and making space for authenticity and change.

Stay tuned!

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three key qualities have been instrumental in my journey: adaptability, intentional storytelling, and community building.

ADAPTABILITY: The landscapes of media, fashion, and advocacy are constantly shifting, and the ability to pivot, learn new skills, and embrace change has been essential. Whether transitioning from traditional PR to digital strategy or learning to navigate new social platforms, staying flexible has allowed me to thrive in different spaces.

During the summer of 2017—my first summer as a college student—I struggled to find a job because no one wanted to hire someone for just two months. Fair, I guess. Every place I applied to rejected me—even the ice cream shop where I had worked in high school wouldn’t take me back. It wasn’t just disappointing; it felt like a major setback in the progress I thought I was making.

This is where adaptability came in strong and set me on the path I’m on today. After some research, a bit of
self-discovery, and several reruns of Project Runway, I decided to launch an entertainment news, fashion, and lifestyle blog called The Benjamin Coy. That summer, I designed the site, wrote stories, marketed the blog, built community connections, and so much more. I often credit the blog for giving me my first real understanding of social media management and influencer marketing. While the blog eventually came to an end, my passion for storytelling and fashion has only evolved—just in a 2025 way.

So, my advice? Stay curious, be open to learning, and don’t be afraid to pivot.

INTENTIONAL STORYTELLING: Whether in fashion, media, or advocacy, storytelling is an unmatched force. Crafting narratives that resonate, inspire, and move people to action has been at the core of my work.

One of my favorite social media campaigns that I led was for FindMyHBCU, an online resource that helps students discover Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) based on their degree interests, location preferences, and tuition needs—while also educating them on the legacy and importance of these sacred institutions.

This campaign allowed me to tell the full story of HBCUs beyond what’s typically highlighted on social media—marching bands and Greek life. I had the opportunity to research and amplify the untold stories of alumni who have broken barriers, such as Juanita Brown Ingram, the first African American to win the Mrs. Indiana-United States title and the first African American Mrs. World International, and Anifa Mvuemba, founder and designer of Hanifa, who became the first designer to use AI for a fashion show in 2020.

This project holds a special place in my heart because I wish this resource had been available when I was applying to college. But isn’t that what it’s all about? Creating tools and opportunities that make life easier for the next generation.

For those just starting out, I encourage you to refine your voice—whether through writing, speaking, or visual content. Study great storytellers, practice telling your own story, and always ask yourself: What impact do I want this to have?

COMMUNITY-BUILDING: No success happens in isolation. The relationships I’ve built with creatives, activists, and industry professionals have been some of the most valuable aspects of my journey. Being intentional about collaboration, mentorship, and uplifting others has created a network of support that continuously fuels my work.

My advice? Show up, be authentic, and invest in genuine relationships. The people you surround yourself with can open doors, inspire you, and help you grow in ways you never expected.

For anyone early in their journey, remember that growth takes time, and success isn’t always linear. Keep learning, keep connecting, and most importantly—never apologize for being authentically yourself!

What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?

Over the past 12 months, I have experienced major growth—professionally and personally. As I mentioned earlier, I’ve become much more comfortable with how I present myself to the world—choosing full acceptance over mere tolerance. However, my biggest area of growth has been learning to truly lean on my community and trust that they will have my back. Success does not happen in isolation, and I’ve come to understand that individualism—so deeply ingrained in our society—can actually be a barrier to progress.

For so long, I operated under the belief that I had to do everything on my own, that asking for help was a sign of weakness. Society often glorifies individuals who appear to have achieved success single-handedly. I remember ending my high school graduation speech with the quote, “Beyoncé has the same 24 hours in a day as we do—what will we do with ours?” At the time, it felt deeply motivating (and, admittedly, a little funny), but in hindsight, that mindset became a source of unnecessary stress and hardship. The truth is, Beyoncé is able to use her 24 hours so effectively because she has a team—a community of people supporting her success.

The reality is, community is strength. Whether in my work, creative pursuits, or advocacy, I’ve learned that collaboration and mutual support foster something far more powerful than anything I could build alone. As we navigate a new presidency that seeks to divide us—targeting marginalized communities, erasing progress, and stoking fear—it’s more important than ever to rely on and strengthen our networks of support.

Every day, I’m working to unlearn the instinct to shoulder everything alone and instead embrace the beauty of collective effort. It’s not just about receiving support, but also about showing up for others—because when we lift each other up, we all rise together.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/benjiecoy
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/benjiecoy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CocktailsCulturePodcast
• Other: https://linktr.ee/wearecandcpod

Image Credits

Fashion Milk
Fernanda Meier
LVLVisuals