Our Bodies, Our Lives, Our Rights
Embedded Files
Introduction
Before we begin - an important note on the contents of this exhibition: Some of the pieces contain nudity and we have chosen not to censor this. Other pieces deal with, challenge or respond to gender dysphoria, biphobia, oppression, trauma, fetishization, transphobia, and grief.
We are aware that engaging with these pieces, especially on a day like IDAHOBIT, may be difficult for some LGBTQIA+ people. Please feel welcome to consult our Wellbeing resource page should you require support.
Welcome to our first online IDAHOBIT exhibition that celebrates 44 incredibly talented LGBTQIA+ artists based in the United Kingdom and beyond.
IDAHOBIT, the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia and Transphobia was created in 2004 to draw attention to the violence and discrimination experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex people and all other people with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities or expressions.
Hate crime is still a worryingly common experience among LGBTQIA+ people in the United Kingdom, and during the Covid-19 pandemic violent acts against our communities increased at an alarming rate. In addition to high levels of individual and familial acts of violence against LGBTQIA+ people, we are also located in a time where we resist a government which:
Allows harm against our bodies; tries to remove our rights; and lacks care for our lives.
Existing in this point in time, it is essential that we centre and celebrate LGBTQIA+ joy, creation and brilliance. And so we have invited LGBTQIA+ artists across the United Kingdom to submit their art, poetry and photography that they felt aligned with this year’s IDAHOBIT theme of ‘Our Bodies, Our Rights, Our Lives’. The result is unimaginably powerful.
To everyone who has submitted: This exhibition would not exist without you, and we are honoured to share and promote your work with our networks.
This exhibition is a love letter to the joy, strength and resistance that LGBTQIA+ communities hold. Please go read it, and share it far and wide.
Artists
Alli McKee/In Rainbows, "Queer Rights or Perish", 2021
Alli McKee/In Rainbows, Queer Rights or Perish
Alli McKee/In Rainbows, Queer Rights or Perish
(he/him/his)
IG: @inrainbowsirl
Sometimes we as LGBTQIA+ individuals get tired of asking nicely; whether it's for people to use the correct name and pronouns or for governing bodies to grant us basic human rights, this piece is for when you're tired of asking nicely.
Renato Pino, Kisses of Color
Renato Pino, Kisses of Color
He/Him/His
Throughout KOC (Kisses of color), color is used in a generous, vibrant, and voluptuous way.
The heavy brush strokes, the oversaturated colors, and the thoughtful usage of shapes and volumes are adopted to create unique paintings that aim to be representative, celebratory, and dignifying of the the LGBTQIA+ community together with other marginalized groups of people.
Born in the late ’80s in Italy, with a background in architecture, Renato’s art can be considered queer and fluid since it’s no longer the time for defining a genre or labeling something to fit into a specific style.
In the ongoing process of searching for my expression, my works are very diverse and multilayered, with a common and distinctive trait: the use of color.
Ophelia Le Fay, I Am the Femme on Both Flags
Ophelia Le Fay, I Am the Femme on Both Flags
thon/thons
"I made this piece during Lesbian Visibility Week in dedication of Lesbian, Transgender and Non-binary solidarity. Behind me, the Femme, there is a rainbow that transitions from the Lesbian flag to the Transgender flag.
I highlight the white stripe in between the hearts of both flags, as they are both inclusive and representative of my identity as a lesbian with no specified gender".
Abbi Parcell, Baby Butch Rising
Abbi Parcell, Baby Butch Rising
Baby butch in the bathroom, sprinkled with shaving cream
using dad's razor to shave what's barely even there
Baby butch in the bathroom, shirt off and resistant,
(Though alone who's there to see it?)
(Them)
washing his feet and their armpits and her face
baby butch on the sidewalk, leather jacket wrapped around her, internal bravado provocative, urging everyone not to look at him
baby butch in the hallway at school, laughing loud and pitching low
no one can know
but why not act how you want to
baby butch in the classroom, slouching in their seat, knees braced against opposite legs of the desk carefully lazy legs so tense
baby butch on the internet finally telling saying CALL ME THIS CALL ME THEY CALL ME HE CALL ME SHE AND THEN CALL ME YOURS
she did. he is. it's too soon. but he is.
baby butch in the background, scrawling out words
they. he. butch. king. Dyke.
alive.alive.alive and living.
Abbi Parcell, she/they, Baby Butch Rising
Twitter: @AbbiParcell
"My whole life has been a protest. My body has also been a battleground and dingy back room. Nevertheless, it's never belonged to me. We have arrived at a time where lesbian-focused spaces have faded like a droplet into water. It is time. Time for us to establish our history, our connections, our own bodies and how radical it always has been for us to simply breathe".
Alex Costin, Freedom
Alex Costin, Freedom
He/they, July 2020
The body of work this image is from is titled "Dysphoria in Dystopia" where I explored my personal trans experience and pride during lockdown. I can't describe the freedom I felt after top surgery and how grateful I still am years later.
Lockdown 2020 was difficult for me, left with my body, hating my scars, but feeling like I wasn't allowed to hate a part of my body that other people would die for. It was a strange confusing time, that thankfully passed and transformed into a new found love for my trans body.
"This selection of prints come from a series celebrating trans identity. All of the reference images for these prints are from queer people who generously submitted photos for me to use, to capture sexuality and gender identity in a positive and euphoric way.
I wanted to create a series that celebrates trans people feeling confident and embracing their bodies.
I love centring my artwork on queer bodies because so often the narrative around trans identity is that we shouldn’t like parts of our bodies but I think there's something beautiful and affirming in being able to see yourself and your identity reflected back and celebrated in a positive, euphoric way".
Bu da Pesticide, Bi Butterfly
Bu da Pesticide, Bi Butterfly
They/them, 10/06/21
IG: @bu.dapesticide
I wanted to create a celebration of what makes me unique as an artist and as a person.
Coming out as a queer person is represented in my work as coming out of my chrysalis as a butterfly in the colours of the bisexual pride flag.
Myself and so many other bi people have experienced biphobia and continue to do so, to the point where sometimes being queer doesn’t feel like a celebration at all. I wanted to create a piece of art that challenged that.
My art allowed me to explore my gender and sexuality in a safe space and now I get to embrace my growth and happiness as an individual as a result. What better way to celebrate queer bodies than making my canvas a queer body!
Carol Peace, Happiness has no gender
Carol Peace, Happiness has no gender
They/them
"As a nonbinary person, I made this art to express my gender identity, so, I wanted to apply a carefree nature to it".
Linktree: @peacemakersama
Grace Ní Dhonnchú, Eye-Lash-Out
Grace Ní Dhonnchú, Eye-Lash-Out
(They/She)
"Eye-Lash-Out is a collection of four images I made inspired by a bald drag queen with extreme lashes ten years ago.
I had never had gender confronted before and this person conveyed something that I felt I couldn't express with my body at the time.
The engorged eyelashes rang true for me around the pain of the feminine experience.
Masking, aesthetics over function, exaggeration and also silence".
IG: @loveindisgrace
Website: www.loveindisgrace.co.uk
Emani Edwards, Restrictive and Oppressive Society in Jamaica
Emani Edwards, Restrictive and Oppressive Society in Jamaica
She/Her/They/Them
I always talk about how I love Jamaica but loving my country as a Trans person comes with a lot of trauma and isolation. You feel tied to your roots, but you can also feel trapped/held back by the restrictions of Jamaican society and culture. Despite the challenges we faced we are breaking barriers. In the hardship we found new heroes who shared their gifts with us. We learnt kindnesses and the art of giving. So many of us also had to learn to receive. New norms have risen, and in the space of uncertainty we found bits and pieces of ourselves. We grew and we rested, all while discovering parts of who we were, are and could be. We relinquished ideas we once held, we loved and lost love ones, and in the aftermath of all the despair we made it.
Credits:
Emani Edwards: IG:@Emanithegenderlessstylist; Facebook: Emani Edwards; Twitter:@EmaniTheStylist Marina Burnel: IG:@MarinaBurnel; Facebook: Marina Burnel Photography; Twitter: @Marinaburnel Kymm Savage: IG:@kyym_savage; Facebook: Kemo Foster: Twitter @Kyym_SavageIG:@Danieruhezamaiyazu IG:@ibecrazii Amanda Liz Taylor: IG:@Amandaliztaylor; Twitter: @amandaliztay; Website: amandaliztaylor.com/ Donique Givans: IG:@d.Givans; Twitter: @YModellz Luca Khouri: IG:@Lucakhouri; Website: lucakhouri.com/ Damien Frost: IG:@thedamienfrostM² MEDIA: IG:@_m2media
MX Williams: IG:@theartistmx; Facebook: MX Williams; Twitter: @theartistmx
Paris Lewinsky: IG:@i_am_paris_lewinsky
Abinaya
Abinaya
she/her
IG: @craftsbyabinaya
"I like creating illustrations with messages that I hope are comforting to the part of all of us that's still a little child. They are about everyone's right to be happy, loved, supported. They are also about our right to own our minds and bodies and to celebrate how beautiful we are".
Jinx
Jinx
they/them
IG: @jinxkween
"Through colour and digital manipulation, I wanted to express the joy and power in embracing my masculine and feminine energies as a trans individual. I used to always think it had to be one or the other. I choose both".
Jinx, Hometown, 22nd April 2022
J Dendromancy, "Trans Bodies Are Sacred", 05/05/2022
J Dendromancy, Trans Bodies Are Sacred
J Dendromancy, Trans Bodies Are Sacred
he/him
IG: @dendromancy
"This piece portrays two trans people dancing together, nude and comfortable in their bodies. There is no judgement, no hatred - just peace and harmony. They both have bodies that are underrepresented - even within the Transgender community. When we talk about Transgender rights, those of us who do not fit the 'conventional' and 'binary' boxes, often born from cis-normative values, are disproportionately hit by injustice and discrimination. Whether you're fat, disabled, BIPOC, choose to bind, tuck or have surgery - to name a few - you deserve equal rights, equal representation and equal support, no matter how cisgender-adjacent you are".
Arlo Lawton, An Ode To My Binder
Arlo Lawton, An Ode To My Binder
they/he
AJ's Lens, An Ode To My Binder, 2021
Arlo created 'An Ode To My Binder' six days before they went through top surgery.
The piece bids a farewell to their trusty binder. It is an example of the connection and reliance on a gender-affirming garment, and the growth within their medical transition. This is a small glimpse into Arlo's life as a non-binary transmasculine person.
IG: @ajslens
Website: ajslens.com
Ren W, My pants, my problem
Ren W, My pants, my problem
They/them
"A lot of cis people are obsessed with the genitalia of trans and nonbinary people. They don't seem to be able to see anything else except what's in our pants, as if who we are and what we do comes down to what's in our pants".
IG: @queerlittleshop
Facebook: @queerlittleshop
Twitter: @queerlittleshop
TikTok: @queerlittleshop
Pansies
Lavender
Green carnations
Duck and Easel
Duck and Easel
She/her
"The main focus of my work is usually the female body. I like to revisit a genre that’s been long established and add to it from three perspectives. Firstly as a woman, I like to create images free of the male gaze, where I can recognize myself and hopefully others can too. Secondly as a queer woman, I want to use art as a way to overcome any shame about being attracted to the same gender, as a way to celebrate queerness. Finally as an art historian I feel the need to highlight LGBTQIA+ aspects that have been long forgotten or plainly denied by other historians".
IG: @duckandeasel
Charlie Beare, Man Enough
Charlie Beare, Man Enough
2021-2022
He/him
"Man Enough is a photography project which I produced for the final year of my BA. It is a self-portrait series based on my relationship with masculinity as a gay trans man and is a way for me to express my queer masculinity in a body that in physically changing due to my transition".
Isabelle Quilty, Lavender Water
Isabelle Quilty, Lavender Water
She/they
Lavender Water
If you could hold a wish within your heart
Would you watch it bleed out between your fingers?
Could you catch the droplets before they made it to the bathwater?
Dip the tips of your fingers on your tongue
'Taste that fragrance, baby, I made it just for you'
Upturned chin, now face the stars
Stay still and silent while bodies morph against one another
It's just another kind of violence
In the search for kindred hearts amid murky waters
Do you find lands of all kinds come to you when you dip your head beneath the waters?
I remember plenty when the breath leaves me
Bubbles quake on the surface
The only reminder that I'm here, I'm here, I get to exist, don't I?
The lavenders growing softer now
It's made an armour to kiss your skin
Gently in the way lovers do
The petals stick to my stretch marks
Tracing the lines all the way to my waist, as lovers do
These petals, orchids, sunflowers, and daisies
Are the gems that line my armour
'Just like that, baby'
There are fractions of myself I leave behind in mirrors
Shop windows
The camera on my phone
The reflections in bathwater
It will take a while to go back to everyone
Take them into the palm of my hand
Crush, crush
Uncurl my fingers, and see it for myself
In the lavender water, I am free from such responsibility
"Lavender Water is a poem that seeks to describe the struggle for visibility in a plus-sized queer body. Bright colours, pastels and flora, associated with the LGBTQIA+ community are used to paint an intimate portrait of how we in the community use our pain as strength, turning our past wounds into an impenetrable armour from a young age".
IG: @thecaffeinebee
Niko Mitsuko, The Ghost in the Machine
Niko Mitsuko, The Ghost in the Machine
she/her
Niko Mitsuko, The Ghost in the Machine, 2022
"The abstract photography features a ghostly figure surrounded by darkness and some light. We are the Ghost, often forgotten and society is the machine".
IG: @nikomitsuko
Hunk Williams, Lord Build Me a Cabin
Hunk Williams, Lord Build Me a Cabin
S.P.A.F Collective
Hunk Williams, he/they
"This short film explores the relationship between contemporary queers in Wales and their familial and cultural heritage. It features a series of faux miners banners I made that focus on themes of queer solidarity and unity, and acts as a call of empowerment for queer people who otherwise feel disconnected and powerless".
IG: @merlins_hotbox_party & @spafcollective
Lord Build Me A Cabin (1).mp4Hunk Williams, 'Lord Build Me a Cabin', March 2021
Mr Leo Mateus
Mr Leo Mateus
he/they
the biggest lie you were told was that your transness made you unloveable.
I see my younger self as a sibling, one I wish I had answers for as they wished to become someone new most nights, just to wake up comfortable.
My work is focused on queer empowerment. So much of the media around trans bodies is focused on being on the hardships of our existence and while it's important to highlight this, it's also important to show people that being queer and happy, loved, empowered, successful and confident is a real possibility!
IG: @mrleomateusart
Twitter: @mrleomateusart
Patreon: mrleomateusart
Hunter
Hunter
She/her
My poetry details my own experience of navigating womanhood as a masculine-presenting lesbian.
IG: @hunterpoetry_
FullSizeRender.MOVUnicorn Hunted
IMG_1218.MOVYour Balls Are Safe With Me
IMG_1556.MOVThe Bathroom Police
My poetry details my own experience of navigating womanhood as a masculine-presenting lesbian. My piece titled ‘The Bathroom Police’ not only discusses the discrimination involved in policing bathrooms, but also discusses heterosexual privilege. The piece called ‘Unicorn Hunted’ addresses how queer women are often fetishized on dating apps, and how this makes us feel dehumanised. Finally, ‘Your Balls Are Safe With Me’ is a message to cis-het men!
Poppy Seen Yee, L'androgyne, 04/2022
Poppy Seen Yee, L'androgyne
Poppy Seen Yee, L'androgyne
she/they
IG: @frvgmentsofart
FRVGMENTS was born when I started painting and selling watercolours based on scenes from Archaic pottery.
I now work primarily in digital art, finding inspiration in the delicate form of Ancient Greek sculpture, love in classical antiquity and the bold colours of contemporary illustration.
The body and the self is something that is intrinsically intertwined, and they are both something that others feel entitled to have ownership and control over, be that through anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation or beauty standards.
My art often centres my relationship with femininity and this goes hand in hand with right to exist as an openly queer person in society.
Theodore Purdy
Theodore Purdy
he/him
IG: @theo.doreteddington
Etsy: etsy.com/uk/shop/TheodorePurdy
Theodore Purdy, David, 2021
Theodore Purdy, Vitruvian Man, 2021
"To challenge the boundaries and binaries of the infamous classics is to force a reconsideration of the perception of LGBTQIA+ representation. Transgender people have always existed, and we always will, regardless of how successfully we are depicted in a subjective history".
Sofftpunk; Hash Kodithuwakku, Good Soup
Hash Kodithuwakku, Good Soup
Hash Kodithuwakku, Good Soup
they/he/xe/fae
Sofftpunk
My art explores themes surrounding queerness and community, aiming to boost community morale and inspire sedition.
A lot of my work explores my feelings as a disabled qtpoc and how my body, rights and life is affected by the current social climate.
IG: @sofftpunk
Twitter: @sofftpunk
Youth Empowerment Service LGBTQIA+ Youth Project, Newham, Be Your Own Muse – Burn it Down
Youth Empowerment Service LGBTQIA+ Youth Project, Newham, Be Your Own Muse – Burn it Down
Be Your Own Muse was a 4-day project working with LGBTQIA+ young people and lead artist Ray Young. We explored queer representation centring on RADICAL QUEER JOY.
This project was developed in response to conversations with young people in search of positive presentations of where the queer community celebrates our existence and stands up and shouts about urgent issues for change.
We asked; can we address urgent political issues through personal statements of joy?
This exhibition is a culmination of the young people’s response.
You’re Too Quiet
by Charlie
People often assume that only the community affected can or should stand up for others – I want to break this myth. Every day we’ll see any kind of subtle sign of prejudice. For some reason, we only want to say something when it’s a public display of hate. But then all that we do is stand by, watch, then wish we could have actually intervened. The Instagram post doesn’t help. The petitions and donations to charities help. Simply not being the oppressor doesn’t help. Standing by and doing nothing means nothing.
The most dangerous thing is silence.
So what are you going to do?
Don’t speak over our stories, boost our voices and share them.
Correct others when you see their wrong behaviour.
Your actions matter more than the praise that you’re searching for.
RATS LOVE RATS
BY FINLEY
THIS PIECE IS ESSENTIALLY A METAPHOR FOR THERE BEING MORE THAN 2 GENDERS. RATS CAN FEEL LOVE LIKE HUMANS. SINCE THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT SEXUALITYS, EVERYONE HAS A DIFFERENT INTERPRETATION OF ‘LOVE’.
THROUGH RATS LOVE RATS I HAVE EXPLORED QUEERNESS THROUGH THE LENSE THAT ANYONE CAN LOVE ANYONE HOWEVER, MANY PEOPLE INTURPRET RATS AS A DISGUSTING CREATURE THAT CARRIES DISEASE WHEN ACTUALLY THEY ARE CARING AND SELFLESS RODENTS.
ESSENTIALLY THIS PIECE IDENTIFIES THAT ANYONE CAN LOVE ANYONE NO MATTER THE GENDER. EVEN RATS.
Room To Breathe
by Luna
Being a trans person tends to involve a lot of performance. Personally, I’m no stranger to engaging in theatrics to try and affirm my masculinity.
I took the opportunity to represent trans people who feel the need to fit into a mould; to blend in, to stay in their shells.
I wanted to convey the importance of being authentic to oneself. Sometimes you just don’t need to ‘fake it ‘till you make it’.
Be Your Own Muse Series includes:
- You’re Too Quiet by Charlie
- Space is cool by Delphine
- Unwritten Rules by Dorothy
- RATS LOVE RATS by Finley
- Room To Breathe by Luna
- Dare to Dream by Uriel
Facilitated & Developed with Lead Artist Ray Young // @rachaelraymckPhotographer: Niamh Bennett // @niamhdidwhatStylist: Mia Maxwell // @miamaxwelllWith thanks to Kyrn, Princess Bestman, Mable Cable, Pippa Atkinson, Flo Paul, biff nesbitt, Tim AldcroftThis project was developed and delivered by LBN Youth Empowerment Service Participation Team & Theatre Royal Stratford East Learning and Participation Team.@lbnyes @yesparticipation@stratford_east @trse_getinvolvedSpace is cool
by Delphine
Being open to thinking about oneself differently, exploring your past to understand your present while knowing you don’t need to find a label to be able to relate to others. Where I’m at now is okay. People change and shift.
Unwritten Rules
by Dorothy
I’m putty.
Nothing fits.
Skirts in skin tight trousers,
Big sleeves in small blouses.
Redress, undress.
Zip, unzip.
Button, unbutton.
Up, down.
On, off.
Redress, zip, button, up, on.
Undress, unzip, unbutton, down, off.
A bare body. A blank canvas.
New paints and pens for pattern work.
Smooth, soft, silky brushes leave no scratches against my skin.
Fine fabrics adorn my frame, fantasies fizzling into fact.
There are so many eyes looking to criticise.
When I wear what I want and no rules have been broken,
Society still scrutinised my style, my sense of self.
People so eager to point out “problems”,
Especially when there isn’t a problem at all.
Dare to Dream
by Uriel
I dream.
I fantasize.
I don’t like how insecure I am. But it’s more than that. I don’t like the way people look at me when I dare to be different. I want a way to be myself. I want to live out my dreams. I want to be a part of the things I fantasize about. The only thing I need is confidence
Charlie, Biphobia
Charlie, Biphobia
Charlie is a young person involved with Newham's Youth LGBQIA+ Youth Empower Service
They/them
it's the sound of classmates
joining the debate
of if your kind really exists
and what should be their fate
it's the feeling
like someone is scrubbing you with an eraser
removing you from existence
because let's face it, you don't even matter
it's the bad taste in your mouth
as you repeat the word
after someone's just called you
a nasty slur
"a parasite"
like a spreading disease
because if you weren't around
their mind would be at ease
it's the smell of bullshit
as people try to find reason
to invalidate you
saying your son is like treason
it's trying to work
which line you belong
not gay, not straight
so both are wrong
it's biphobia
When the revolution comes trans people will be swimming
Seren Thomas
Seren Thomas
they/them
Flatboy
IG: @flatb0y
Etsy: ArtByFlatboy
A few years ago, I saw twitter thread asking what trans people who do if there was no transphobia for one whole day. So many people replied saying that they would swim.
For many years I repressed the need to swim. But only when I started again after top surgery did I realise how essential it is to my wellbeing. There is nothing more glorious than the sight of a group of trans people mucking about in the water together, splashing, laughing, lying back and letting their bodies float supported on the surface. Trans people swimming is unfettered joy. It is revolutionary.
Aly Monk, We are all human. Hand painted skateboard graphic, 2022.
Hanna Gwynn, Ourselves
Hanna Gwynn, Ourselves
she/her
Twitter: @Cheeroodraws
A moment of peace and joy between a queer couple happy to be together and themselves, living their lives. It was created in celebration of Lesbian Day of Visibility 2021 and is one of my favourite pieces.
Hanna Gwynn, Ourselves, 2021
Reid Watkins, Shame - a rhapsody on reclaiming the agender body
Reid Watkins, Shame - a rhapsody on reclaiming the agender body
Shame— commonly characterised by “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behaviour.”
When I was eighteen, I bought a binder for the first time. I can’t describe the excitement I felt when it first arrived, when I first put it on, when I first wore it in public. I had been so lost for so long, and finally I had started to find myself.
But this feeling wasn’t to last. I received a call from my parents a couple of weeks later. They had asked me about a bank statement of mine (which I, may I add, have no idea how they saw it) and questioned me about a £30 purchase from amazon. Now I’ve never been very good at lying, and I get flustered very easily.
“It’s a binder, I’m non-binary.” I blurt out. My mum’s face drops. My stepdad’s face contorts in rage. There’s some shouting, and the call ends very suddenly. The texts followed soon after:
“You’ve upset your mother, she feels like she’s lost her daughter. The family would be ashamed of you. What would your great uncle think if he saw you like this? Consider yourself banned from the house. Don’t you feel any shame?”
Shame. I knew I shouldn’t be ashamed. I knew this wasn’t wrong, or bad, or foolish. But I felt like it was. The message came later:
“Send it back to where you bought it.” So I did. Hot with shame, I packed it in an envelope, scrawled the return address on, and took it to the post office. And for the time being, I tried not to think about it. Quite the challenge when you’re being barraged with messages like:
“You’ve caused arguments in the house” and “I’m not letting you see you’re brother, you’re a bad influence”
But somehow, I managed to move past it.
When I was twenty, my best friend bought me a new binder. “I know your parents don’t want you to have one” she said, “but I do.”
So once again, I was happy, comfortable, and enjoying the euphoria that came with having a flat chest.
Fast forward to summer 2018— I’m home with my family, and I’m feeling hopeful. I take my binder from my drawer, put it on, and get dressed. I look in the mirror, and smile, bounding down the stairs to join my mother.
But I hadn’t realised my stepdad was there. It was all the same again. I should be ashamed. I know he doesn’t like it, he says. You’re disrespecting my rules, he says. I’m going to take away your internet, he says.
And he did. My social life was conducted through broken phone calls, frustrated texts, and reaching for cellular data. And I was back in the closet. Again.
But it wasn’t over. One night, whilst I’m sat in my room trying to get through some reading, he walks in to my room. He hands me a piece of paper.
“Fill this in.” He says, hands me a scrap of paper, and leaves. It was a questionnaire.
What made you feel like you need to do this?
Don’t you worry about the long term effects on my body?
Aren’t you concerned this will have a bad influence on your brother?
Aren’t you ashamed about what the family will think?
So I filled it in. My mum said: “he’s trying to understand, you see? It can’t be easy for him.” He took the answers I’d given him, laughed, and threw them in the bin.
“Not good enough.” He said. Not good enough for me.
But this is my body, it’s my choice, and here I am, aged twenty four, wearing my binder with pride. I’m never going to let him, or anyone, make me feel ashamed to do so, ever again. Thank you.
Reid Watkins, they/it
IG: @queeringpoetry
I write poetry about queerness and queerphobia regarding both my lesbianism and my transness. I focus mostly on written word, and have speeches I have transformed into poetry.
Coco, they/them/she/her
This was a piece I created as a black, non-binary, queer lesbian - to embody how we all show up in this world completely different & unique to who we are… and that crossing between genders & expressing who we are and doing that with our bodies should be our choice. And my artistry shows that, no matter who you are, your sexuality, your identity is everything and society doesn’t get to tell us anymore how we should or can be! We are bold, bright & beautiful creating our new authentic normal.
K.C. Finn / Brake Down, Eradication
K.C. Finn / Brake Down, Eradication
K.C. Finn - Eradication.mp3The performance poem 'Eradication' discusses the imposition of those who claim we have "no need for Pride" and other such labeled concepts of queerness under the false assumption that we are all "more or less equal" these days. The protest verses are a call to action to reclaim our labels and refuse to be silenced.
K.C. Finn (she/they/he); IG: @authorkcfinn
Brake Down (he/him); IG: @mrbrakedown
Karli-Rose Morris, Traffic
Karli-Rose Morris, Traffic
Dyke. Faggot. Queer.
Various words
Slurs,you use to try
And maim me
Shame me
But how much power is in a name really?
What if I told you these words
Didn’t offend
That might be hard to comprehend
You might think I’ve gone mad
Maybe a tad
These no word longer make me feel sad?
Has this not gone the way you planned?
You can’t be hurt by things you hear as often as car horns.
Karli-Rose Morris (she/they), Traffic
IG: @k.r_mcmo
As a writer, I always find themes of my identity and queerness end up in my work, either concisely or not. With some of my recent poetry/ spoken word pieces, I’ve found myself looking in a mirror, trying to see how the rest of the world perceives me and others within my community.
Chierol Lai, Some people find salvation on their knees. (I find her between mine)
Chierol Lai, Some people find salvation on their knees. (I find her between mine)
Chierol Lai (She/Her), Some people find salvation on their knees. (I find her between mine), 2020, Acrylic on Canvas
IG: @chierol.lai
Our bodies conditioned not to love our own and not those that are tick box marked the same. Taught that it is not right, that we have no rights in this unchosen life. So too many of our lives get taken away for loving the bodies that we do even though we are right. We were always right!
S.M. Caulfield, go h*** yourself
S.M. Caulfield, go h*** yourself
They/Them
I work in acrylics and oil, relying on damaged paintbrushes and reclaimed surfaces to reaffirm, reiterate and claim my right for my body, and bodies like me, to exist in visible defiance. In depicting experiences like hypomania and hyperfocus through colour, I refuse being at the mercy of systems/communities/persons who inflict saviour complexes, sanism and internalised stories about the world upon ill, disabled and trans queer bodies. I affirm the right of myself and those like me to become the predominant actor in our narratives, take accountability and control, and resist shame as we move through the world.
Carrd: sarahmariecaulfield.carrd.co/
S. M. Caulfield, go h*** yourself, 2022
Simon Krawczyk, Patience
Simon Krawczyk, Patience
March 2022
Simon Krawczyk (he/him), Patience, March 2022
Simon Krawczyk (he/him), Patience, March 2022
As a trans man it is important for me to represent trans bodies and normalize them, and it's something I want to achieve through my art. These two pieces have a contrasting atmosphere- one more tranquil and peaceful, showing content of a person within themselves. The other one is a bit darker, more energetic with it's pose and dramatic. I think both of these drawings represent the opposing feelings that come with being a trans man in today's world.
IG: @dishsoapaddict
Website: dishsoapaddict.myportfolio.com
James Bell, Grindr Azulejo
James Bell, Grindr Azulejo
Grindr Azulejo are a series of paintings created during a two week residency at OBRAS, Portugal. As a gay, queer man, I was connecting with men in Lisbon through the app Grindr whilst visiting. I find it interesting the way we, as gay men, present ourselves when seeking a sexual partner online, and some beauty in the more vulnerable-perceived role of being passive. It’s a space where we have the right to show our bodies and live our lives as we choose.
IG: @jamesbell.co.uk
James Bell (he/they), Grindr Azulejo, 2018
James Bell (he/they), Grindr Azulejo, 2018
James Bell (he/they), Grindr Azulejo, 2018
Alex HB Designs (He/Him), Lavender Nights, May 2022
Alex HB Designs, Lavender Nights
Alex HB Designs, Lavender Nights
May 2022
IG: @alexhbdesigns
I'm a digital artist with a focus on floral photography. I use creative photographic techniques to produce designs with a botanical theme. This piece is inspired by the 1920s cabaret song and gay anthem ‘Das Lila Lied’ (The Lavender Song). An English version of the song was recorded by Ute Lemper in the 1990s and included the lyrics ‘Lavender nights are our greatest pleasure, where we can be just who we want to be’, reflecting the importance of LGBTQIA+ safe spaces where we can feel safe to express our true selves.
My work explores the realities and vulnerabilities of being trans in the UK during a relentless moral panic through the personal lens of my own transition, covering topics from gender dysphoria to bereavement to hope for a better future. The underlying message of all my current work is that our lives, bodies and rights should not be up for debate. It is my hope that my work can show other LGBTQIA+ people that they’re not alone while also humanising us to those who may hold prejudiced views.
Fantod, Haunted I-II, Pen on paper, 2021
‘Haunted I-II’ are Fantod’s first drawn self-portraits since starting HRT. Images of vulnerability, rebirth and an ever present sadness.
Fantod, Bereavement, Acrylic paint and plaster on canvas, 2022
‘Bereavement’ is an expressive and abstract painting exploring the artist’s grief over loved ones who passed away before Fantod was able to spend time with them after coming out of the closet. Due to the nature of the piece and the materials used, it is expected that over time it will crack and gradually fall apart, a poetic statement of hope that with time a sense of closure will be reached.
Fantod, Please can I be safe?, Pen on paper, 2021
‘Please can I be safe?’ reflects that while everybody deserves to be safe, many people aren’t. These words come from Fantod’s own experience of feeling unsafe as a transgender person in the UK. They moved to Glasgow’s Southside from England in September 2020. The community they’re now a part of makes them feel safer than ever, but there’s still an ever present danger as transphobia remains sadly common.
Fantod, waiting for a better day, 2021
Pen on paper in wooden frame
‘waiting for a better day’ captures the isolation and hopelessness of inhabiting a body that feels inherently wrong and not being able to see a way out.
Alex Fern, 'Twister', 2015
the study of an individual before and after coming out
Alex Fern, 'Lean on', 2017
an exploration of queerness and love.
Alex Fern, 'Droplet', 2018
Alex painted this as a way to conceptualise their conflicting mental health challenges during the time they were exploring their gender identity.
Levi J. Richards, Embodiment
Levi J. Richards, Embodiment
He/They
‘Embodiment’ is a response to Scottish poet Nan Shepherd’s poem of the same name. The poem spoke to me as a trans person in the spiritual, transcendent way that it speaks about becoming. For me, trans autonomy (especially bodily autonomy) is about having the freedom to defy expectation — collapsing binaries, subverting norms and creating bodies for ourselves that feel like home, whatever that may look like. While it’s often a challenging process, it’s also a beautifully expansive one — that’s what I think of when Nan Shepherd writes ‘We create ourselves in a form/Imagined in no god’s mind’.
IG: @levijrichards
‘Embodiment’ by Levi J. Richards
Leo Kirkpatrick, I'm Still Growing, 2021
Leo Kirkpatrick, I'm Still Growing
Leo Kirkpatrick, I'm Still Growing
He/they
This is a self-portrait piece that I made just after I had top surgery in December 2020.
I think being trans relates a lot to Nature, we're constantly growing and on a journey of self discovery. I called this "I'm Still Growing" because it's a reminder to myself of how far I've come and how much I've grown. It's also a celebration of joy and how I've slowly started to love myself more.
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