A convo with Khalil Anthony on James Baldwin--in the Baldwin Boots
Last spring I interviewed and shot (on a fixed lens) my dear friend Khalil Anthony, a beautiful, authentic and unapologetically multi-talented black & queer force of nature whom I had the pleasure of meeting in the alluring and dynamic Mexico City, where we both made our homes post-lockdown.
Two strongly like-minded intellectual creatives, we became fast friends and collaborators. Khalil was one of my early supporters and clients, who purchased one of the first prototypes of The Baldwin Boots out of my apartment, long before the final sample went to market.
When I told Khalil that the boot design was inspired by a 1980s James Baldwin photograph, we catapulted into our shared obsession and revere for the late activist and writer. Being the first person to own a pair of Baldwin boots and someone who has dedicated their own personal projects to JB, it was a no-brainer to approach Khalil for this collaboration. As a black, queer activist and artist, James Baldwin paved the way for the younger generations of marginalized peoples to create and own spaces.
As we enter into Pride 2025, I am thrilled to be able to share the full interview and photo shoot with Khalil Anthony on our new blog.
Thank you for reading and sharing! xoxo
LF
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LF: Who are you and how do you identify?
KA: I am a black intellectual. I am a man who is queer. A lover. An artist who is alive with fresh ideas and concepts that relate to my black body, creativity, and the quest of the unknown. I identify as a space-age creature that is dedicated to love, the search and acquisition. A writer who finds spaces in between to investigate and later share. My story is what makes me unique and capable. I am a polymath, a multi-disciplinary artist working with varying mediums and media. My work investigates the relationship between spirit and space, the black body, sexuality, society, and the urban experience. I am a creative consultant/director and artistic director for BiPoc artists and brands. I have worked with international organizations and businesses around cultural equity and strategic design.
LF: What are you passionate about? What contributions to this world in this lifetime are you most proud of?
KA: I am passionate about art and creativity. There is a beautiful awakening that transpires in the pursuit of art making and the process that is established to make the art. Writing and speaking are also important to me and my work. Throughout my life my experiences have helped shape me into a writer that is able to tell stories that speak to people honestly, creativity, and with a sincere approach at sharing and exploration. My black body and the people's history it enlists. Indigeneity and where we come from, how we have existed, and the enormous power in our creation.
I believe my musical career, media development, arts-education, and writing have contributed to this world in my lifetime. As an arts-educator I have worked in many organizations that have helped center youth voices in an authentic and powerful way. My musical career has reached millions of listeners and graced dancefloors around the globe, and also have featured in an Emmy winning show. My first novel, Frederic Leon, is now a script entitled, Greyhound. As well, my film, "Implications of Giovanni's Room on Black Boy Queer Identity, was presented at the 60th anniversary of his seminal work, in Paris, France.
LF: What connection do you have with James Baldwin and how do you find yourself remaining connected to his spirit?
KA: James Baldwin is the man. I remember seeing him speak on panels and television as a child, and his fierce usage of language and immense power to articulate hard truths taught me that we must face whatever comes in a manner of excellence. James Baldwin is "black-excellence", a sense of knowing in every word he wrote and an awareness of all the things around him to fuel the powerful narrative he masterfully weaves together. He has always been a beacon in the world for what it means to be free. To seek a thing different from what is being presented and offer up an alternative world for us to consume. His ability to create this world, inviting us in for the ride engulfing the reader or listener into a new space with characters whose stories have surprised and marveled us for years. I've always felt like parts of me are in alignment with this icon, and at times this energy inspires me to accomplish more in my life's adventures.
LF: How do you feel when wearing your Baldwin boots?
KA: Honey! Let me tell you. A boot is a special part of my wardrobe. I love boots, and grew up wearing them quite a bit in my life. Every boot is different and brings out a different aspect to my personality. I feel like Jimmy Baldwin frolicking in Paris, sitting at a cafe looking fabulous, scribbling down something especially poignant. Or sometimes I feel like I am at studio 54 and I'm the life of the party. I love the height the boot gives me, I feel like I can touch the stars in these boots. They make me remember how special I am, and allow me to show it off to the world. The music of these boots sings to my artsy self, my fashion sense abilities, and a cool factor that is still very important to me.
LF: What is your favorite Baldwin book and/or quote and why?
KA: Hands down my favorite Baldwin book is, Giovanni's Room. The fucking story, the way Baldwin shares truths of homosexuality when confronted with the world's ideas of your love, your heart, and your decision. What does it mean to find a love that scares you? How honest can you be when confronted with the most beautiful feeling you've ever felt, and knowing that this very feeling is what makes you disgusted? This book broke me wide open as a young man confronting my own love for men. James Baldwin's honest tale of two lovers whose love was never enough ripped through my heart and life like a tsunami. I have not been the same since the first time I read this magnificent story and thankfully so.
