The Queer Portrait Project: June 2012

The Queer Portrait Project is a collaboration with the queer community, pairing each participant's narrative with my portrait of them. Queer people are often seen as faceless, autologous, nameless. One queer person becomes a representative and stand-in for a monolithic whole, robbing them of their own autonomous story. The Queer Portrait Project illuminates the breadth, depth, joys, struggles, and particularities of individual members of the queer community. The paintings and writings together allow the viewer to see and identify with the personal, distinctive, and particulate examples of each project contributor.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Nick

I could be described in many terms, but no single word seems to be accurate. I'm smart and funny, except when I'm foolish and awkward. I'm independent and assertive and confident, yet some of my defining moments have been when I was shy or anxious or scared. Some see me as cheerful and kind, and to others I'm dark and selfish. I'm queer, but I'm told that sometimes I 'act straight' (whatever that means). I'm rarely described as masculine, but I am more athletic than anyone I know. There doesn't seem to be a single word that can describe me. Well maybe just one: Nick.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Michael

In my life journey, learning that I was gay made me attentive to all forms of discrimination. It led me to degrees in Women's Studies and Afro-American Studies. It has made me a passionate advocate not just for LGBT rights, but for all rights.

Being gay obligates me to fight for the rights of other as well as my own. There is no freedom, no democracy and no justice so long as it is denied to any.

I think it is critical for gay men to stand up for women's rights, to fight racism and to recognize and stand against all forms of oppression. It is together that we will build a more just society.