“I think in many ways, it was me trying to reclaim the power over these things that I was once ashamed of. The other part is fighting — fighting for the next generation of people so the world is a safer place for them,” Myles Sexton explains when asked what inspired their activist journey. Sexton is a boundary-breaking Canadian fashion icon dedicated to using their platform to promote inclusivity, challenge stereotypes, and inspire meaningful change.
Sexton is from a tiny town in Nova Scotia with under 1000 people. Growing up, they rarely saw themselves represented, especially in the media. Because of this, Sexton felt isolated as a teenager. That began to change after sending headshots to a local modelling agency in Halifax. This experience led to runway shows, commercial acting, and ultimately the beginning of their fashion career!
Photo Credits: Myles Sexton
At 19, Sexton moved to Toronto in pursuit of their dreams in the fashion industry. From modelling and makeup artistry to developing a jewellery line and creating a magazine, they say “it just all snowballed from moving.” During this time, Sexton was also active on social media. “I’ve always shared my journey online, whether it was on Myspace, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok.” Sharing their life on social media and using their platform to challenge stigma was always important to what they did.
This fight for change was demonstrated through their work in fashion, where they believed there was no gender attached to clothing. Sexton uses their voice to deconstruct these stereotypes. They said, “At the end of the day, clothes are fabric that we drape on our bodies.” Additionally, after Sexton was diagnosed HIV-positive, they became passionate about advocating for the destigmatization of sexual health. Through their platforms and work, Sexton continues to fight for inclusivity in the fashion industry that goes beyond gender norms and empowers others to deconstruct HIV-AIDS stigma.
Photo Credits: Myles Sexton
Throughout their journey in modelling and the fashion industry, finding inclusive designers was a challenge. It was hard for Sexton to convince some designers to let them walk the runway, especially when they had never had someone assigned a male at-birth model in their womenswear. Yet for Sexton, the art in fashion remains at the core. Despite rejection, they fought to figure out ways to transform their dreams into reality.
Sexton explains the best way to overcome barriers is never to give up. “It is important to be resilient and continuously pursue your dreams despite those who do not believe in and support you,” they say. “When you stick to what you believe in, you’ll eventually find others that believe in it too.” Success does not happen overnight, and Sexton’s perseverance over the last 10 years in the fashion industry has not only led to professional success but to their community and place in the world.
Photo Credits: Myles Sexton
On a personal level, Sexton has learned that giving back to yourself is essential to maintaining motivation and resilience. Consistent judgment while in the public eye can be draining. Therefore, developing ways to remain centred and grounded was a necessity. In addition, learning to be patient was essential to their journey. They explain that “It’s okay things take time because it sets you up to be in the best position when you get there — so you can experience the most joy when you do.”
Through their resilience, Sexton has begun achieving dreams and making an impact. For the past three years, they have worked and modelled with Jean Paul Gaultier, creating impactful work that goes beyond fashion. Together, they have used their platforms to advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and enhance LGBTQ+ voices.
Photo Credits: Myles Sexton
Most recently, Sexton has become the new face of Shoppers Drug Mart in a national campaign. “That’s such a big one for me. I’m so excited and I’m going to be so emotional,” they say. “My first job after moving to Toronto was at a Shoppers Drug Mart, so it’s such a full circle moment!”
Sexton smiled when asked about hopes in the upcoming years and said, “I’m manifesting my own TV show or a co-TV show. It’s something like an online series, maybe on Netflix? I would just love that so much!” Additionally, they are working towards their first book — an autobiography. With these exciting plans in mind, Sexton will continue using their platforms to make a difference and advocate for change to make the world a better place for the next generation.
Website: https://www.mylessexton.com/
Social Media: @mylessexton
