When I first recognized my queerness, I craved things other than pride. I wanted ease, acceptance, privacy, legal rights. I also felt happy and angry and bold, so I didn’t think I had any shame. I mean, I knew I felt weird about the whole thing, and that coming out was hard, but I also knew I wasn’t doing anything wrong, and the problem was anti-queerness, not me.
It took me years to see that not being able to perceive my shame wasn’t because it wasn’t there, but because it was everywhere.
It was endless, unlike other feelings which I could feel through, which would come in waves, with edges. I began to ask, what are the alternatives to this? What other feelings are expansive and sturdy enough to hold this back?
Eventually, I understood why pride is held sacred in our community.
This shame doesn’t belong to us. Our birthright is to say: fuck it. And to say: I love you, I love you, I love you.
Everything I have learned about freedom I have learned from queer people.
This new series is called The Opposite of Shame. It is a celebration of the constellation of powers that are ours: pride and so much more.
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There will be at least 10 canvas originals (8 with custom framing, others unframed), along with 10 paper pieces and a few smaller studies available for purchase on June 14.
The store page will be password protected in the morning to allow Patreon members and newsletter subscribers first dibs.
8 AM PST: Password goes out to Patreon members
10 AM PST: Password goes out to newsletter subscribers
11 AM PST: Remaining pieces are available to the public
Omg, Brit, I am so in love with the new works! I can’t wait to see them all and maybe… even… buy one!
Your post about queerness touched my heart. I’m not queer but I can relate to craving freedom from a very oppressive and abusive childhood. I understand more from your post about why your work and the way you relate to the world resonates so much with me. My heart just feels really happy after seeing your post. Thank you for all you do.