Jenny

Hi, my name is Jenny. Although not pictured here, I normally have teeth. I was born on the north side of Madison and moved away when I was seven. For the past 12 years, Madison has once again been my home, where I first worked as a middle school teacher and, more recently, a social worker who partners with homeless families. Despite the many things we have to be grateful for in this city, it still is not necessarily easy to be queer here. I love the potential and strength that our communities have, although, like the microcosm they are, they remain highly segregated by race, class, gender, etc. The LGBTQ Narratives group is especially important to me, as it is an example of how art can be used for activism, how our words can support and transform one other, and how we can create intentional community with the goal of social justice. I appreciate projects such as this one that highlight not only our ability to be visible as queers, but also tell the stories that allow us to see ourselves reflected in each other

Ames

From the time I was born there was something quite unique about me. Unfortunately, growing up in a small town had many small minded people with very loud opinions. "Is that really a girl?" "Hey you are using the wrong bathroom" I felt destined to exist in this world alone. It wasn't until I moved to Madison and experienced such a diverse culture and acceptance that I could truly start to grow and learn about how I can be comfortable in my own skin, and that I am not alone.

Michael

I was born and raised in a small farm community in northern Wisconsin, in a time when it was impossible to feel good about my orientation. I managed to survive with my interest in art, movies, theater, travel, and books. That was my salvation...and those things kept me sane. I now find myself teaching graphic design, proud of the creative community I am part of.

Nick

Being born queer isn’t easy. Being born queer in Janesville, Wisconsin was especially difficult. It was an incredibly bigoted town to have grow up in. When I turned eighteen, I looked at my parents and said, “I don’t know about you guys, but I’m getting the hell outta here!” I caught a lot of guff growing up, always being picked on simply for being who I was, even though that person wasn’t even fully developed yet. It forced me to grow up fast and toughen up. Looking back, I’m thankful for my experiences there. Without it, I wouldn’t be the gay warrior that I am today.

Mike

Mike Hanson: born and raised in Marinette Wisconsin.

When I was sitting for this portrait I was just laid off from my long-term job at a local advertising agency and surprisingly feeling so relieved that I finally had some me time. Don't get me wrong, I loved what I did for work but there has been little time for exploratory events in my life like having my portrait painted for this amazing project, and many other life affirming projects where you can see the true good in yourself and the community. When I look at my face I see sadness, but you should know that I'm excited for what lies ahead.

Alex

10" x 8"

My name means "protector of humankind". I chose it because no intention I have is greater - except perhaps of love. I am a hopeful romantic who still believes, despite what I have seen and been through, that love WILL conquer all. I find this to be the best gift my upbringing gave me, as a guy who was raised as a girl. Living in both worlds has given me access to insights I would have otherwise missed. Being genderqueer has taught me that as individuals, both men and women feel pain, sadness, oppression, and alienation equally. Despite what we've all been taught, all people want nothing more or less than happiness and love. That love isn't about who gets more or less - that love is about recognizing we are equally flawed, equally broken, equally valuable, and equally deserving. Society's expectations hurt all of us. This is the furrow in my brow. I am concerned that love isn't being spread rapidly enough to get sadness, frustration, and oppression before they go through puberty and become hate. We are all amazing. We all need to hear that and believe it more often. We need to spread it around liberally and deliberately like janitor's white paint over hate graffiti: believe in the beauty of your truth - even knowing we all have a different one. This one is mine.

Theresa

I am a recovering homophobe.
I am out but not always proud.
I am an advocate, albeit reluctantly and unwillingly.
My story is not new, unique, or untold.
I am a cliche, a stereotype, a punchline.
My sex is female.
My gender is butch.
My sexuality is lesbian.
My identity is fluid.
My head can sometimes be found in the clouds,
but my feet never leave the ground.
I am Midwest Queer.
And I am a recovering homophobe.