Gender & Sexual Identity

By Felichi Fernandez

Felichi’s Self-Portrait: Before & After

We are lucky to live in a society that is more accepting of the LGBTQ community. A person’s gender and sexuality plays a big role in their identity. Though some still struggle with coming out and knowing exactly how they want to identify themselves, the society around us has been more open minded about this. With this, we get to express ourselves the way we want to, dress the way we want to or look the way we feel most comfortable. As I grew to become the person I am right now, I understand how challenging changes are. Be comfortable in your own skin because you are beautiful just the way you are.

Study for Portrait of John Edwards

Francis Bacon’s Study for Portrait of John Edwards (1986) symbolizes how homosexuality and gender fluidity were themes that artists couldn’t put out there without fear of censorship, ostracism or even arrest. It wasn’t until the 20th century when artists were finally able to express these themes through any art forms. Activism for LGBTQ rights started as early as the 1940’s and one well known activism that occurred in 1969 was the raid at Stonewall inn. Back then, Homosexuality was illegal in 49 states. Members of the community were finally fed up with decades of discrimination and emboldened by civil rights gains made by other marginalized communities. After this event, art became a safe space where overtly gay, lesbian, trans, queer and nonconforming ideas, subject and images could be freely explored.