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 “more than 1 in 5 hate crimes are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias.”
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.
Through colored pencil drawings, photography, mixed media installations and DRAG performance, masculine and feminine intertwine to engage the gamut of human expression. Curled wigs fall over thick bearded faces, hairy pecs peek over corseted waists, and curvaceous bodies are covered by little more than risqué underwear. Delicate paper flowers represent queer ancestors that paved a path toward equality. 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 the 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.
"Pansy Ass Sissy"
Colored pencil on paper, watercolor on paper
Installation at 40 West Gallery during Crossing Borders exhibition presented by Athena Project and Pink Progression.
Photo credit: Wes Magyar
"Pansy Ass Sissy," detail
Watercolor on paper
Installation at 40 West Gallery during Crossing Borders exhibition presented by Athena Project and Pink Progression.
Photo credit: Anna Kaye
"Lost Ones"
Watercolor on paper, pins, 96 × 60 × 2” (approx.)
Installation at Museo De Las Americas during Espiritu Hermosx/Beautiful Spirit curated by Louis Trujillo
"Rugged and Rhinestoned"
colored pencil on paper, 15 x 40”
"Fat, Femme and Fierce"
colored pencil on paper, 41.5 x 15”
"Fat, Femme and Fierce," detail
colored pencil on paper, 41.5 x 15”
"A Great Blow"
colored pencil on paper, 11 x 22”
"Blemished"
colored pencil on paper, 5 x 5”
"Pay No Attention to the Lace on My Forehead"
colored pencil on paper, 6 x 6”
"Lace"
colored pencil on paper, 22 x 11”
"Leather"
colored pencil on paper, 22 x 11”
"Jade"
colored pencil on paper, 6 x 6”
"Red Catrina"
colored pencil on paper, 8 x 8”
"Real Men Wear Pink"
colored pencil on paper, 6 x 4.5”
"Black Plum"
colored pencil on paper, 8 x 8”
"Layers of Sissy"
Digital C-print series
Installation at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art during Performing Self curated by Jane Burke
Photo credit: Wes Magyar
"Art is a Drag"
Chest, vanity mirror, mannequin torso and heads, silicone prosthetics, synthetic wigs, clothing, jewelry, makeup, faux flowers, and rhinestones
Installation at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art during Performing Self curated by Jane Burke
Photo credit: Wes Magyar
"Art is a Drag," detail
Installation at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art during Performing Self curated by Jane Burke
Photo credit: Wes Magyar
"Art is a Drag," detail
Installation at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art during Performing Self curated by Jane Burke
Photo credit: Wes Magyar
"Art is a Drag," detail
Installation at Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art during Performing Self curated by Jane Burke
Photo credit: Wes Magyar
