Eliad Cohen: Pride for a New Age

Not only is Pride making its in-person return around the globe, but it is also hitting the tech market in the form of NFTs. Who better to help lead the pack than influencer and entrepreneur Eliad Cohen? Eliad and his co-founder, influencer marketing agency founder Regev Gur, have created PrideIcons – the largest LGBTQ+ NFT collection in the world.

Designed by artist Max Bahman, Pride Icons is a limited-edition collection of 10,000 pop art NFTs. Not only meant to add our community’s voice to the emerging NFT market, its mission is to also honor LGBTQ+ icons and trailblazers that have brought us thus far. Split up into three groups, the collection reflects the uniqueness we contribute to our community. The project has already gained media attention in Forbes and, with its launch this Pride, hopes to become a thriving leader in this new form of art and tech. Sales from the NFTs will also benefit LGBTQ-minded non-profits.

As a model and entrepreneur, Eliad has a special relationship with both the business and LGBTQ market. Making a splash over a decade ago when he appeared on the cover Spartacus International Gay Guide, he has become a trailblazer in the event community. After fulfilling his Israeli military duties, he worked as a model and later became a spokesperson for Tel Aviv Gay Pride and the promotion of gay-friendly Israeli tourism.

While continuing his modeling career and the design of his clothing line, he founded PAPA PARTY, a top-level gay party experience that has taken the world by storm. The PAPA PARTY has become an international brand, touring over 30 countries, and featuring the top names from the DJ world with performances by some of the most sought-after artists.

As an activist, he became an ambassador for VOTE PROUD, joining the ranks of Elton John, Sharon Stone, Dua Lipa, Billy Porter, Andy Cohen, and Laverne Cox, just to name a few, to encourage the LGBTQ+ community to vote and diminish voter apathy.

Eliad stopped by to chat about the NFT culture, coming out, and Pride.

Eliad Cohen

Eliad Cohen by Elkin Yazno

Eliad Cohen by Elkin Yazno

In normal words, what exactly is an NFT?

An NFT is a digital asset that represents real-world objects like art, music, in-game items, and videos. They are bought and sold online, frequently with cryptocurrency, and they are encoded with the same underlying software used for crypto technologies.

Are NFTs here to stay?

They have become trendy, with many brands and companies launching their own digital assets. What’s next and how will they evolve? We will have to wait and see.

What is your team’s creative process when creating an NFT?

Max Bahman, our designer, is an incredible artist. We give him direction and he runs with it. For our icons, we made a list of 100 LGBTQIA+ icons and activists that have helped our community and are transforming them into colorful digital art in celebration.

How did your team come together/meet?

I met them through a mutual friend. We have a lot of similarities—we all care deeply about the LGBTQIA+ community—and decided to make this project together to support the community. We will donate at least $1M to non-profit organizations focused on LGBTQIA+ equity and equality.

Who are some of the LGBTQ icons that have shaped your view of pop culture?

Elton John and Madonna.

What do you think the LGBTQ community’s role is in pop culture?

Our community is iconic and crucial to pop culture. They are trend drivers and provide the ultimate personas. From Gaga’s Little Monsters to RuPaul’s Drag Race – these icons have inspired our community and advocated for us in so many ways.

What do you think the LGBTQ community’s role is in the business world?

There has been a lack of opportunity and equity for the LGBTQIA+ community in the business world, especially in crypto and NFTs. That is why we launched Pride Icons, to provide our community a “piece of the pie.”

Eliad Cohen by Felipe Borras

What is your coming-out story?

I was in my early twenties in my last year in the Israeli army when I finally told my mom. Coming out was by far the best decision of my life. I want to show people that being gay is not a weakness, it is a strength—I now accept myself. After coming out, I had some “close friends” that did not accept me being gay, which made it hard for me. In the end, they came back and said they just needed time to accept it.

How have you changed the most since your coming out?

I feel like my best self. Proud of who I am and free to express myself.

What do you love most about your Israeli culture?

All people of Israel feel a powerful sense of responsibility for each other. Israelis shine in hours of crisis. They are unparalleled in lending a helping hand to friends, the community, and strangers in need. The Israeli culture has made advances in the acceptance of the LGBTQ community. Today, Tel Aviv is one of the most open-minded cities in the world.

How do you balance this type of work with your role as a nightlife influencer?

It is actually the perfect combo. Pride Icons is more than NFTs, it is also a social club. I am producing exclusive events for our Pride Icons community.

Do you find it hard for people to understand your business side over the modeling side?

No, because I started my journey as an entrepreneur over 12 years ago. Before Pride Icons I launched Gay Ville and PAPA World Tour, along with my clothing collection.

How has your relationship with social media changed over the years?

It has evolved with the platforms and algorithms. I am always on top of posting daily, following social media trends, and staying up to date on the best ways to engage with my online audience.

What are the biggest misconceptions people have about you?

People think I am always serious. When they finally meet me and get to know me, they realize I have a good sense of humor and constantly make funny jokes.

Thank you for your running man tutorial on Instagram! What is your go-to dance on the dance floor?

[Laughs] I’m glad you liked it! To be honest, I don’t have one specific go-to. I close my eyes and let the music take control.

What does this year’s Pride mean the most to you?

It is so important for us to continue to fight for our rights. We have come a long way, but there are still places that harm and even murder our people because they identify as LGBTQIA+. We must support our brothers and sisters, and make sure they know they are not alone.

What is your Pride message to the community?

Be unapologetically proud and loud about who you are and who you love.

For more information on Pride Icons, check out https://prideicons.io/.