Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is disrupting the system

From a ballroom mother to a fierce fembot and an animated ninja, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is proudly smashing the status quo.

Photographer Myles Loftin
Words Sam Damshenas
Art Direction and Cover Design Jack Rowe
Stylist Sam Knoll
Stylist Assistant Jamisha Rosado 
Makeup Artist Alicia Martinez using Charlotte Tilbury
Hair Stylist Davey Matthew at The Only Agency
Production Megan Wallace
Studio Industria Superstudio
Photography Assistant Andrew Espinal
With thanks to Louis D’Adamio

As 33F7, a fashion-forward “fembot” of the cosmic variety, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is putting an intergalactic spin on pop. In September, the Pose icon released her debut album 33, a 90s-influenced collection of R&B, house and pop bops exploring themes such as self-discovery, resilience and empowerment via her alter-ego. From tackling body autonomy in ‘I Am’ to persecution and alienation in ‘Why’, 33 is the album that Michaela Jaé was destined to make – and one that cements her status as an up-and-coming sonic (and visual) force in the pop industry.

“[33] was to reflect my own journey, but also for anyone of the queer diaspora, or who is “different”,” she tells GAY TIMES. “At some point, you realise that you’re not the problem. You simply are.”