HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
"My artistic style is wildly playful and colorful. Art is such a powerful medium to reach people and shift their perspectives, which is especially important in the fight for queer liberation. When we can normalize queer bodies and expression, we can create a safer world for LGBTQIA+ people to show up authentically. Color and emotion also play a big role in my work and in showing the full range of experiences that are a part of my identity and lived experience."
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
"My artistic style is wildly playful and colorful. Art is such a powerful medium to reach people and shift their perspectives, which is especially important in the fight for queer liberation. When we can normalize queer bodies and expression, we can create a safer world for LGBTQIA+ people to show up authentically. Color and emotion also play a big role in my work and in showing the full range of experiences that are a part of my identity and lived experience."
WHERE DO YOU DRAW INSPIRATION?
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DESIGN FOR DIY DOCS?
"We are witnessing an all out attack on queer and trans identities in the U.S. From the wave of anti-trans policies to ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bills, many states are seemingly doing everything they can to erase queer and trans people from public life.
As activists, we often say that this work is a marathon – not a sprint, and while we are experiencing many dark days, there is no darkness without light. My design is about the balance between light and dark, or day and night. While our communities are experiencing this darkness, our liberation – that sun – will come."
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE DESIGN FOR DIY DOCS?
"We are witnessing an all out attack on queer and trans identities in the U.S. From the wave of anti-trans policies to ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bills, many states are seemingly doing everything they can to erase queer and trans people from public life.
As activists, we often say that this work is a marathon – not a sprint, and while we are experiencing many dark days, there is no darkness without light. My design is about the balance between light and dark, or day and night. While our communities are experiencing this darkness, our liberation – that sun – will come."
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS WE CAN BETTER
SUPPORT THE MENTAL HEALTH OF LGBTQIA+ PEOPLE ALL YEAR ROUND?
We need more allies stepping up for the queer and trans community. Here are a few ways to make your community safer for LGBTQIA+ folks:
Create welcoming spaces where everybody feels comfortable showing up authentically and fully as themselves.
Affirm the wide spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Doing so can help those who aren’t ready or able to be out feel less alone.
Speak out about legislation that impacts the LGBTQIA+ community locally and across the U.S. That means not only speaking out when there is anti-gay or anti-trans legislation but showing up to pass legislation that protects our community.
Normalize using pronouns in everyday settings, such as work or school. An easy step is adding your pronouns to your email signature or social media bio.