Race + Politics
I'm a justice advocate working to bridge connections between people of differing perspectives through art, photography, graphic design and illustration.
My own experiences of marginalization as a LGBTQ person, and as a queer-Christian have informed me on how fear, hatred, contempt, and the abuse of power is taught and handed-down even among "well-meaning Christian" people. It has opened me up to seeing and speaking out for other groups who have been and continue to be systematically oppressed as well, especially the BIPOC and AAPI communities. I hope to connect, even in the smallest way, with their pain, humanity, and self-worth through my art. And for others may it plant tiny seeds of curiosity that open up self-reflection and dialogue, that help us to re-examine and wrestle with old ways of thinking, and perhaps begin to look at the ingrained, unhealthy, hurtful words, responses/actions we've been taught and begin to question the deep roots of pain in our society, and ultimately strive to change, by loving our neighboor as we do ourselves, seeking healing, and moving hearts closer together instead of further apart. *Disclaimer* Some of these images may cause some people discomfort and be confrontational and/or offensive. Rightfully so, that's what I believe art is called to do at times - confront the atrocities of oppressive power structures and seek justice for all people and the kingdom of Love we have yet to fully see. We won’t achieve full equality by merely focusing on our own struggles and ignoring causes that don’t seem to involve us. As Nelson Mandela said, “To be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” Our freedom is inextricably intertwined. To obtain equal rights for all people, we have to fight for civil rights, and women’s rights, indigenous peoples rights, gay rights, trans rights, immigration rights, disability rights… and so on. When it comes to equality, there’s no hierarchy of oppression. "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" (MLK).