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"The LGBTQ community means so much to me. Not only have I met some good friends, I found myself more. I found a place to talk about the issues and ask questions when needed." |
"It's important to have conversations about normalized abuse faced in Mexican culture while also acknowledging that it is my culture that makes me who I am today." |
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Lately, I’ve been going out a lot to Boystown because ya know, I am celebrating my queerness. However, stepping into a bar or club there sometimes scares the ever living crap out of me because of what happened at Pulse. We gotta remember that queer kids are still being bullied, abused, and killed. Today marks the 2 year anniversary of the Pulse shooting and not much had been done to prevent attacks against the LGBTQIA+ community...
Although it’s a scary world out there to be gay, I continue to be out and proud. I have never felt truly like myself until I came out. And even though the world is scary, I hope to be a role model to all the other queer kids out there who are questioning. I hope that I always educate those about Pulse and other significant moments in LGBTQIA+ history. I hope that I can create an environment where queer kids feel safe because there are too many people out there scared. Pulse will always be in the heart of those who identify and will always remind me to be cautious but their survivors remind me to stay strong and continue fighting the good fight. Stay Strong, Happy Pride, and Never Forget Pulse. |
Home (Belmont and Clark)
Pre-coming out, I spent a lot of time in Boystown. I felt connected there and always found myself there on the weekends. The vibrancy and the colorful people I would meet made me feel at home. |
Lesbianism
Inspired by the women in art history, I’ve conveyed my initial anxiety of being lesbian when I first came out. The intense feelings I felt about myself were initially a fear of coming out to a very traditionally Mexican household. This painting has changing meanings as the years go on: now that I am comfortable with my sexuality, I see this as a homage to the beautiful, strong women I surround myself with. Submitted June 2018
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Mujeres Divinas
This piece speaks to the different communities of The Mexican people coming together as one and battling against oppressive views that the President elect has voiced and acted upon us. The Mexican flag is reversed to show a state of panic but the stoic faces show strength despite the calamity. Submitted May 2018
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El Último Beso (Amor Prohibido)
This piece is about homophobia in Mexican culture and my relationship to God. The homophobia I’ve faced by my own family affected my relationship to God and made me fearful of religion. However, it was with time that I’ve overcome my fears and allowed myself to be one with religion and my own gayness. Submitted May 2018
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