Pride and Inquires

For my June photo essay, I wanted to center my narrative around queerness and identity (not only because it’s Pride month but because I wanted to create something encompassing some of the intricacies that go into being within the LGBT community). 

Whether we like it or not, we live in a world where we are surrounded by people and rules that tell us who we are, how we feel, and how we think. All of the things that make up my being (my age, gender, race, sexual orientation, physicality, and choices) have placed me in several distinct boxes. This isn’t a groundbreaking thought; it’s the magical work of labels and how they write someone’s story. Labels can be a powerful tool, particularly when they pertain to diverse representation in the media. However, labels can be dangerous when they perpetuate harmful stereotypes that people are forced to connect with. What do you do if you’ve never felt represented in any form or don’t resonate with the only option that exists?

Growing up in midwest suburbia, moments existed where people made my sexual orientation my most defining characteristic. While my queerness is a part of my identity, it is not my whole life. It is merely a part of me that belongs to the greater whole of my being. Honest and vulnerable art has significantly impacted the stories I want to tell, resonating with me regardless of the boxes I fill. As an artist, the most important thing to me when creating is for the viewer to connect to the piece in whatever way that means to them. Authenticity is what makes people resonate with a photo or piece of art, even if they don’t fit in the boxes of that specific narrative. 

I am lucky to be a part of a community that produces iconic and cultural pieces of art, music, fashion, and ways of being. Queerness to me is about living according to your own expectation and desires. So, wear what you want, express how you feel, and celebrate being alive. You’ve got a huge family supporting you along the way too.