Meet Rayhan Stapleton | Model

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rayhan Stapleton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rayhan, what makes you happy? Why?
Happiness comes in so many forms. For me, positively impacting my community or individuals creates a sense of joy. I’ve been telling my story about being a black/brown queer person in Atlanta, overcoming different life scenarios, building a positive outlook on people’s judgment, and creating something beautiful.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is a story of what modern queerness looks and feels like. Creating and interpreting stories that people can relate to and have an emotional attachment to is what is unique about my work and what excites me and the people who work with me for the outcome. Where I am today wouldn’t be possible without me pushing my boundaries and accepting myself, the individuals around me, and my environment’s beliefs about lifestyles. Being my most authentic self was the challenge itself. I was forcing myself to be something I am not to make others around me comfortable. Along the way, I realized the world is vast with many unique and like-minded people, so I want to tell the world, especially those in my community, to stand out and be yourself. You are diverse and thrive on every goal you set for yourself. Lastly, for queer individuals, there’s so much light and hope in each of you. Don’t let society strip you of your light; shine and spread love through the arts.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If one of my friends traveled to Atlanta, I would first take them to Roswell Water Fall. Such beautiful scenery with lots of nature and a vast water Fall for cute pictures and fun memories ready to be created while we play and talk in the river.

Next, I would love to indulge on a date at the Atlanta high art museum. As a creative, you can get so much inspiration from others’ work. It can spark up some exciting and fun conversations.

One day, taking them to the Atlanta Beltline at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark will be fun and open new opportunities for communicating with others and learning how to skate.

Scad is filled with so many talented people like Rou (@roumarcellus), Wisdom (@wisdom.tiff), & Celestina (@church.thug). If I could take my friend to Scad’s studios in Atlanta, the time spent would be captivating and a learning opportunity for everyone present. These individuals have made me feel like family at the college, and I loved every second of it.

Lastly, I would take my friend to PlantHouse in Decatur. Learning about different types and plants and being able to plant your own one is so much for you and creates some memories. Also, across the street, there’s an open park with small food outlets with fantastic desserts. With our new plants and ice cream, we can sit on the lawn, people-watch, and catch up about life.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
First, thank the organizations that helped me form my confidence today. Special thanks to Atlanta Music Project, SteamSports Inc, and Arabia Mountain High School for teaching me and providing resources to underprivileged children. Thanks to Jonah Ruffin (@jonahruffin) and Daniella Almona (@daniellaalmona) for shaping how I present myself and my love of art.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayhanstapleton/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RayhanStapleton

Image Credits
@ty_pleas @wisdom.tiff @roumarcellus @danuesfilm @justatypicaldre @joshgotacanon @zayssalvation