My Publication and Portfolio delve into the issues and ideas that are included within queer fashion identity, with queerness being shown in a celebratory and uplifting light. For my Publication ‘AndrogynoUS’, I journeyed into the complexities of queerness explored through a positive lens. Focusing on queer representation and combating the normalised stereotypes that are typically instilled into queer individuals. For my Portfolio ‘Through Positive Eyes’, I explore the journey of my own queer experience. Highlighting and conceptualising the moments in my life that had a lasting impact on how I view myself as a queer individual today. Through both bodies of work, I strive to bring more representation of the LGBTQ+ community and showcase that we are valid, even in today’s heteronormative society.
This image has been selected from my photo-shoot 'Young In', which is featured within my Portfolio. ‘Young In’ is inspired by my experience growing up as a queer person. By taking from these experiences and memories that I have from when I was younger, I was able to visualise them in a new and contemporary way. Growing up I loved to play with dolls, specifically from the brand ‘Bratz’. These dolls were known for their unusual proportions and trendy styling. Both of these factors are major components within this photo-shoot.
This image has been selected from my photo-shoot 'Icons Only', which is featured within my Portfolio. ‘Icons Only’ is heavily inspired by famous artists such as David Bowie, Kate Bush, Stevie Nicks and Pete Burns. To be an icon, you have to be a known symbol. Wherever you go, people know you or want to get to know you. Throughout all my life I have been obsessed with pop culture. Growing up as a queer person allowed me to create a connection with artists and media that I enjoy due to feeling like I could relate to how they feel or the way they appear. From listening to music that I liked and putting up posters on my wall to decorate my bedroom, I was hooked on being able to transcend through to the mind of the artist, using their music.
This image is from the photo-shoot 'Going Out', featured within my Portfolio. ‘Going Out’ is inspired by my experiences and time spent within the gay nightclubs in Scotland. Once I had turned 18 years old, I was instantly going out. I had always heard that they were way better than my local town clubs so I was super excited to finally go to one. The first ever gay club that I visited was Polo Lounge, located in central Glasgow. I can remember walking in and being greeted by a club kid with bright lights behind them. I instantly felt a sigh of relief as I actually felt an overwhelming sense of safety. All of wild moments from a night out can be seen within this shoot, allowing for every club-goer to relate.
This image has been selected from my photo-shoot 'Acceptance', which is featured within my Portfolio. ‘Acceptance’ is inspired by freedom and what that can mean through queer eyes. To a lot of queer people, self-acceptance is a massive part of their identity. This is largely due to many years of suppression and a lack of validation from others at a young age. As queer people, we tend to value the acceptance we gain from others and ourselves a lot more as it is never easy to find. I feel that showcasing this concept is very important to the purpose of my project, which is celebrating the queer experience.
This image has been selected from my photo-shoot ‘Erotica: Part Two’, which is featured within my Publication. ‘Erotica: Part Two’ is inspired by the softer side of fetish and queer sexuality. While BDSM and kink is a key part of the community, it is only one small part of the exceedingly diverse ways in which LGBTQ+ explore their bodies and sexuality. Upon unmasking the model, we now see a softer, more innocent side to them. This highlights the intricacy and vulnerability of queer intimacy.
