Fran Dunaway & Naomi Gonzalez

Irreverent, unapologetic, and raw…underwear? Married at heart and in vision, Fran Dunaway, left, and Naomi Gonzalez are the couple that supply the brains, the power, and the inclusively positive vision of TomboyX. The word “tomboy” ended up opening the door to a conversation about being oneself. “If I wasn’t a queer lesbian, I wouldn’t see or experience the world through the lens I’ve had. We are a gender-neutral brand because our community matters to us,” says Gonzalez, a first-generation Cuban-American who grew up in New York City. The first design the entrepreneurial duo created sold out in two weeks, and they’ve been thriving ever since, with a product whose models are shot from a stance of empowerment. Members of the LGBTQ community must “Be true to yourself. Be passionate about serving. And never give up. Never. Ever. Give. Up,” says Gonzalez. What TomboyX and its founders are doing is working and resonating. But most importantly, Dunaway says, “We need to work together to help one another achieve success, particularly financial success. Because the truth is, no one else cares as much about our community as we do.” The care — and the pride — shows. —JDG