Arthur Tam is a queer Chinese-American journalist at the intersection of LGBTIQ+ politics, fashion, and pop culture. He's currently based in NYC, but spent eight years in Hong Kong working for Time Out as an editor focusing on music, fashion, film, and LGBTIQ+ issues. He's also been published in i-D Vice, Washington Post, Quartz, Dazed and Confused and Another Magazine. When he isn't writing, he's running his Asian-inspired swimwear brand, Tight Tams.
In what ways does nature inspire or inform your work?
I’m really affected by the seasons and weather, especially now that I live in NYC. I tend to focus on depressing topics in the winter. But once it’s warm, I don’t want to work at all and I just want to enjoy nature and be outside with friends – gaining more experience so I have something to write about again when I’m trapped by winter.
What does it mean to you to be part of a thriving ecosystem?
My husband always reminds me that “the raindrop never feels responsible for the storm.” I take that to mean that every action I take, however minuscule, will have an impact on the ecosystem. So, I try to stay mindful and responsible for my choices – hopefully making better ones.