Our Story
Human Up was created by Arden Lapin and Lily Matteson in June of 2019- exactly 50 years after Stonewall Inn was raided by police. With Pride month underway and festivities approaching, it was apparent how many large corporations that do not support the LGBTQIA+ Community were appropriating Queer culture and profiting off of Pride. As an artist who identifies as Queer, Arden took it upon herself to create her own celebratory clothing to wear during June. The idea quickly took off, leading her to join forces with local artist Lily Matteson and set up camp at the Glencoe Sidewalk Sale. Not only did their art make a progressive statement in a small town, but it also led to the creation of Human Up!
Logo design by Pono Design Studio
Original Human Up merchandise
Nice to meet you!
Arden Lapin
Arden Lapin is a dancer, choreographer, and artist located in Logan Square, Chicago. She graduated from Western Michigan University in 2019 where she received her B.F.A. in Dance and minor in Gender and Women’s Studies with magna cum laude honors. As a member of the LGBTQIA2+ Community herself, Arden founded Human Up with the goal of serving Queer people fun clothes that make them feel their best.