"We talk a lot about finding community within underground and alternative spaces, the inherent queerness of the arts, and a desire to just “be different.” ... There is true inner turmoil that happens when people are unable to express themselves as their truest selves....[T]he very thing that others us when we are young, is the thing that can set us free as adults. A desire to be different on purpose, to turn heads, develops ... It’s truly liberating."
This project explores the interconnectedness of identity and fashion, specifically among people in the LGBTQ+ community. There are many documented publications and articles about Queer fashion, but many focus on white cis-gendered male bodies. The purpose of this project is to look beyond societal norms to develop a broader view of Queer people. Over the course of a year, several research techniques were utilized such as group art activities, literature review, and participant interviews
The heart of this project lies in the interviews. Ten participants located in the Edmonton area participated in interviews where they discuss their experiences with queerness, queer issues, queer joy, and (of course) how they express this through fashion. Following the interviews the participants modelled for a photoshoot. The final photos and transcripts can be found in the book "From the Closet"
Special thanks to the MacEwan Student Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) for making this project possible.
For more info about this project please reach out to me via email.
Physical copies of the book are available for purchase. Digital copies are also available upon request.
