You Came As You Were
As the year comes to a close I just want to reflect on the impact that Come As You Are is making, this year's show is one that I am beyond proud of. I am grateful for what I am achieving, and I am grateful for the support that I am given to see this show flourish.
Come As You Are is, and will always be an art show that centers 2SQTBIPOC visual and performing artists. Some of the most important artwork is being created by artists who experience social, cultural, and economic marginalization. I have found that the advocacy for queerness within the mainstream media has often excluded persons living with disabilities, community members of diverse cultural backgrounds, Indigenous community members, etc.
The artists that are chosen to showcase their work for Come As You Are, have been individuals that push the boundaries of society by existing and creating their art as 2SQTBIPOC. I want to say thank you to this year's participating artists, Joy Addo, Roya Delsol, Wendy Vu, Brianna Roye, Jesse King, Bianco Rocco, James Yeboah, Shaili Champ, Savannah Taylor, Angelo Luu, R. Flex, Yara El Safi, Rochelle David, and Keisha Erwin. Queer representation for people of color is in need of being showcased at the forefront everyday, of every month, of every year without being performative or tokenized, and not just during pride season.
The world is filled with so many kind souls, and I am so proud of this continuing project. This is the community that I want shown to the world. We are thriving, living and creating our own "safer spaces." Thank you to those that have attended the show and to those that continue to support the show.
