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Sissy
Rigid ideas of gender expression have been impressed upon us from the very beginning of our lives. Gender fluid individuals are often labeled as confused, or going through a phase, and are often shamed for their innate behavior. Rejection by family and bullying by peers lead to teen suicide. The Trevor Project reports that “LGB youth are almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth.” Homophobia and transphobia trigger hate crimes of assault and murder. The Human Rights Campaign reports “that hate crimes based on sexual orientation represent 16.7% of hate crimes.”
As a queer contemporary artist I am motivated to disrupt gender stereotypes and inspire social change to combat homophobia, femmephobia and fatphobia. Self love and acceptance is a daily practice for me because I have been nurtured to believe of myself as less than others. Growing up I was demeaned regularly because I enjoyed activities that society assigns to girls. In adolescence I hid these interests out of shame causing me to become depressed. After “coming out” as a young adult and experiencing gay culture it became apparent that my femininity and body type were frowned upon by a majority of gay men.
In my drawings masculine and feminine intertwine to engage the gamut of human expression. Curled wigs falling over thick bearded faces, hairy pecks peeking over corseted waists, and curvaceous bodies covered by little more than risqué underwear are all subjects in my drawings. By creating these detailed renderings I ask my audience to examine these taboo topics and embrace the diversity of expression within the queer community.
LBGTQ+ individuals have existed since antiquity and at times we were accepted. Today more representation in mainstream allows for more acceptance but we are still fighting for full equality. With open hearts and minds society can become inclusive for all communities.
