Relationships seek to fill the void of loneliness people experience. In our communities, we are expected to forge these both platonic and romantic, yet there is an accepted version of them. Any that exist outside of these boundaries are considered deviancies rather than what they are. Queer relationships should be celebrated all the same, as they are an equal expression of companionship regardless of beliefs or culture. Being a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I share a common experience with growing up expected to be attracted to and love people that I would find later to be impossible. Going against this norm is a politicized move, a culture war, and at its core a deviance from the accepted. But yet, this base emotion of love cannot be molded. At its core, attraction is intrinsic, irrational, but infinite. Through my work, I seek to celebrate these relationships and express the broad diversity of them. The queer experience is unique, although it is a collective, no story feels the same loneliness in their journey of self discovery.
Through my project, a variety of human experiences acts as the core. Photographs of the relationships are intended to be reminiscent of family photo albums, presented in black and white. A video interview will also give more context to the people and give time for them to share their experiences which shaped them into who they are today. My hope for the project is that within this archive of relationships and experiences, somebody who would be going through their journey can stumble upon it and find that they are not alone.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’ve always struggled with finding an identity that reflects my self-image correctly. Unfortunately, many of them are seen as the politics and rights associated with them first, rather than the humans who are a part of them. I’ve come to find this as a core issue I want to tackle in my work; reminding people that true equality can only be achieved by treating each person as a fellow human, deserving of inalienable rights to their own way of life. All our lived experiences have value, none overshadowing one another.
This project serves as my first step into finding a way to bring back the human elements to the forefront. My process will involve depicting LGBTQ+ identifying couples throughout my creative journey, all shown through a contrast of vulnerability and comfort.
If you happen to be interested in having a portrait taken, feel free to contact me, I’m always open to traveling and meeting new people through opportunities like this!