Mia Moretti Explains the Story Behind Her ‘Horny for House’ Pride Collab With Housing Works (Exclusive)

Pride merch usually falls into one of two categories: something you impulse-buy for a weekend or something attempting to say everything at once.

This new collaboration between DJ, producer, and songwriter Mia Moretti and Housing Works lands somewhere else entirely.

Their limited-edition “Horny for House” shirt, launching first at Housing Works Cannabis Co. before expanding to other Housing Works locations, feels intentionally unserious in presentation and surprisingly direct in purpose. The cheeky slogan pulls double duty: a nod to house music culture and a wink toward Housing Works’ decades-long mission supporting New Yorkers impacted by HIV/AIDS and homelessness.

Every dollar raised goes back into that work.

And according to Moretti, the collaboration wasn’t some last-minute Pride activation.

“I have been on the board of Housing Works for the last decade, so needless to say I’m a huge fan. Always have been always will be,” Moretti told us. From Vintage Racks To A Pride Campaign

Moretti said the project started with something less strategic and more personal: her love of digging.

“I’m also a thrifty girly,” she said. “I love to dig through racks, bins, boxes, and I love a good deal.”

That mindset led her toward thinking differently about merchandise.

“I thought doing a little digging in one of the overlooked corners of Housing Works might be quite promising… Well not only are our vintage t-s made better, they are kinder to our planet earth, they are one of a kind and the money all goes toward our beloved Housing Works.”

Then she offered a challenge she hopes others pick up.

“It’s a winner. I hope this inspires other bands, brands and artists to think similarly about their merch as well.” The Moment ‘Horny For House’ Clicked

If the shirt feels oddly inevitable once you hear it, Moretti agrees.

“My reaction was, ‘that’s it, duh!’”

She explained the concept originally started somewhere unexpected.

“I was playing with different themes around Italian American culture because my record label is Spaghetti Moretti Records and a friend had mentioned using the Italian horn.”

Then the idea snapped into focus.

“As soon as he said horn, I knew we had a slogan on our hands, that was the moment ‘Horny for House’ was born.”

Asked why the overlap between house music and Housing Works felt worth leaning into, Moretti kept it simple.

“Well, first there was Housing Works, then there was Horny For House, and now there is HORNY FOR HOUSE X HOUSING WORKS. It was a natural fit.” Pride, Community, And Giving Something Back

Brands show up every June promising connection and community. Moretti’s answer when I asked why this one felt different was less polished and more honest.

“If there’s one thing I know about Pride it’s that everyone is horny,” she joked.

Then she got to the point.

“We’re just trying to give the people what they want — and we don’t think it’s too much to ask them to give a little to their community while they’re at it.”

That community focus also came up when we talked about why Housing Works remains important to her.

Housing Works has spent more than 30 years supporting people impacted by HIV/AIDS through housing access, healthcare, advocacy, and direct action.

For Moretti, that urgency hasn’t disappeared.

“It is always important to me. Everyday. There’s nothing special about this day except the fact we have to work hard and do more than ever.”

Still, she doesn’t frame the work through fear.

“But I try not to linger on the negative. I’d rather share the message of housing in love and light always. AMEN.” House Music As A Feeling

When I asked how house music shaped her creatively and inside queer nightlife spaces, Moretti paused to widen the conversation.

“I love this question but it forces us to remember what house music is.”

Then she painted the picture.

“It’s a space to connect, to let go, to join, to release, to be. It’s about the dancefloor and nothing else. Everyone is welcome and everyone is equal.”

She said those moments continue to guide the music she makes now.

“When I started making music I wanted to make music that brought me back to my favorite moments, my favorite memories and my favorite stories of the dance floor.”

“When my eyes are closed and I’m in my room listening to a vocal or a sample, I go to that place and I have to feel it.”

Her final thought felt almost like advice.

“Everything comes from that place of love and you better remember that because this industry will try everyday to remind you otherwise.”

What To Wear While Listening

Moretti also created a companion soundtrack for the collaboration.

“I had to make a horny for house mixtape for housing works so everyone had something to blast while feeling like their sexy horny selves.”

And if she could choose one ideal place to wear the shirt?

“PARADE!”

As for her soundtrack to summer:

• BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE — Barbara Tucker (Obskür Remix)
• MY HOUSE — Shaman Durek, Mia Moretti
• FREE YOUR MIND — Clonnee, Prospa

And one final plug:

“And if you come out after May 29th… My new single GET READY!”

If Pride collections are competing for your attention this month, this one may be one of the few asking for more than a photo opportunity.

Click here to shop the collection: [Housing Works x Mia Moretti]

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