In a striking display of solidarity and a powerful call for global LGBTQ+ rights, Albanian-American supermodel and genderless advocate Elton Ilirjani (also known by his modeling name HANKO) recently donned the iconic Amsterdam Rainbow Dress in the heart of Tirana. The monumental garment, a living work of art, made its Albanian debut as a potent symbol of hope and a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights struggles faced by LGBTQ+ individuals worldwide.
The Amsterdam Rainbow Dress is no ordinary garment. Crafted from the national flags of countries where being LGBTQ+ is illegal, punishable by imprisonment, torture, or even death, it serves as a visually arresting testament to injustice. The bodice, however, is adorned with the flag of Amsterdam, representing a city that has long been a beacon of refuge and acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community. The philosophy behind the dress is simple yet profound: as a country enacts LGBTQ+ inclusive legislation, its flag is replaced with a rainbow flag, symbolizing progress and freedom.
Elton Ilirjani’s decision to wear the dress in Tirana underscores his deep commitment to human rights and his prominent role as a vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly within his native Albania. Ilirjani gained significant public attention in 2016 when he bravely came out as publicly gay, a bold move in the historically conservative nation. His visibility as a successful businessman and now, as a globally recognized supermodel, has undoubtedly paved the way for greater acceptance and dialogue.
“This dress is more than just fabric and flags; it’s a statement of defiance against oppression and a celebration of the progress that has been made, while also highlighting how far we still have to go,” Ilirjani stated during a press event accompanying the display. “To wear it here, in Albania, is to bring this conversation directly to my homeland and to inspire hope for a future where love and identity are never criminalized.”
The Amsterdam Rainbow Dress Foundation, the organization behind this impactful initiative, aims to spark debate and raise awareness about inclusion and equal rights on a global scale. The dress, with its impressive 16-meter diameter, has been a focal point for numerous celebrations and events since its inception in 2016, often captured in powerful imagery at meaningful global locations. These international photo series, coupled with educational workshops, establish the foundation as an international beacon for LGBTQ+ rights and the lives of those persecuted for their identity or orientation.
As a prominent figure in global fashion, walking for esteemed designers at Paris, Milan, London, and New York Fashion Weeks, Ilirjani brings a unique platform to this cause. His work as a genderless advocate and his artistic approach to runway performance – using his expressions and poses to elevate the walk into an art form – resonate deeply with the dress’s message of breaking boundaries and challenging norms.
The appearance of the Amsterdam Rainbow Dress in Tirana, amplified by the visibility of a beloved Albanian figure like Elton Ilirjani, signals a crucial moment for dialogue and advancement in Albania and the wider Balkan region. It is a powerful reminder that the fight for equality is a shared global responsibility, and that art, fashion, and prominent voices can indeed be catalysts for profound social change.
The Amsterdam Rainbow Dress Foundation continues to seek collaborations with governmental, corporate, and civic organizations to further their mission of promoting diversity and inclusion worldwide.
