Exclusive | Fashion | Feature Spotlight
At just 21 years old, Atlanta native Laron Gigger has already made major moves in the entertainment industry.
From making history as the first Black queer pro roller skater to walk a mainstream runway in Milan to his historical television debut as part of the first all Black-queer skating group, Gigger has become a fearless voice for the LGBTQ+ community and his fans worldwide.
In our exclusive interview with Laron Gigger, he opened up about his groundbreaking successes in the entertainment industry, his journey with roller skating, and his plans for the future.
Laron tells us that his fascination with the arts came at an early age and was born from watching the dance stylings of iconic artists such as Michael Jackson and Beyonce.
“I've always had a passion for dancing and I self-taught myself in many styles," he said.
When Gigger began roller skating two years ago, he combined it with his love for dance.
”I made my own lane and my own style through what I already was able and capable of doing and just put it on wheels."
His unique combination of skating and dancing has taken him to new heights, with his viral videos showing off his skills garnering millions of views.
As of today, he has a combined social media following of over 600,000 followers, a feat he says came from being authentic and understanding what his audience wants to see.
“It's been amazing. The consistency has paid off, the hard work has paid off, and now I'm moving into the things that I really want to do,” he said.
A few of Gigger’s social media posts have given him one of the highest honors in the entertainment industry, an acknowledgment from Beyonce herself.
During one instance Queen Bey shared Gigger’s rendition of the viral Before I Let Go challenge to her story. The next came during her Renaissance era.” When Honey was having a moment. I did my rendition, it went very viral. And I was also told she saw that as well,” he said.
“The fact that, my name is ringing alarms and ringing bells with some of my biggest inspirations in music and in the industry, that's a blessing in itself.”
Outside of being an online sensation and Queen Bey-approved Gigger has lit up the small screen with his troupe of skating peers #HausofSK8 on Max’s skating competition series “Roller Jam”.
The 6 episode series hosted by American Idol alum Jordin Sparks brought together the top roller-skating crews in the country to compete to see who would be crowned America's best roller-dancing team.
Each week Gigger and his #HausofSK8 teammates were tasked with facilitating skate and dance routines themed in the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, and current day. “We made it all the way to the last episode, to the top four. It was a very good opportunity,” he said
Their appearance on the show was historic as it was the first time an all history once again as the first all-black gay skate group to compete on television. “it's amazing that every accomplishment I'm doing is also a stamp in the history book.” he said.
Following his appearance on “Roller Jam” Gigger has continued to showcase his talents to the world, earlier this year he took to Dsquared2’s show for Milan Fashion Week.
Gigger said he had a week to prepare and travel to participate in the show. The night before flying to Milan trouble struck when he sprained his toe at a skate party, possibly threatening his chance at performing.
“I was limping through the airport on the way to Milan and then when I got there, I was just like, my God, all these people around me, I have to still do it.” he said.
Despite his setbacks and nerves Gigger, dawning low-cut silver shorts delivered a show-stopping routine that combined voguing, dancing, and skating.
With television, fashion week, and social media success, under his belt, Gigger wants to continue to give back to the LGBTQ+ community and build his brand.
“I see myself being a legend, an icon, a household name. I want to venture out into my entrepreneurial bag, open maybe my own rink or my own dance studio, maybe my own skating line, clothing brand.” he said.
In addition to his aspirations, Gigger said he hopes to inspire and uplift his LGBTQ+ peers.
"I also want to give back. want to teach the younger generation how to skate and maybe host a few master classes. I just want to make skating just as big as choreography and dance culture in the music industry.” he said.
Watch Our Full Interview Below: