Alexandra Aradas, an undergraduate student raised in the American South, uses photography to understand and capture the diverse Queer experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community in her region. These are a few selections from a larger series entitled The Art of Recognition.
Artist Statement
The heart of my project is a series of portraits featuring members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Each photograph is accompanied by a personal testament that shares their thoughts, hopes, joys, fears, and other facets of their lived experiences. This is more than a documentary project but also a commentary on the current political climate, which stems from a commitment to creating intersectional spaces and building community.
Few spaces in the Upstate truly represent and celebrate Queer artists and their work. In light of the current political climate, it has become increasingly difficult for Queer-friendly spaces to maintain a sense of safety. As a double major in Politics and Studio Art, I believe that art has the power to inspire political change, and I find great value in making people feel seen. “The Art of Recognition” emerges from a desire to educate and embrace identity politics rather than be confined by them. My goal is to create heartfelt portraits that capture the diverse Queer experience and provide a sense of hope. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community with several friends who fear pending legislation, I want to provide a platform for the Queer community to feel acknowledged and authentically represented.
Through these photo sessions, my worldview has shifted. I am grateful for the enriching conversations I have had with various people, delving into joy, trauma, resilience, and hope. These moments taught me more about how to be resilient in the face of destructive, harmful laws and heightened political polarization. Most importantly, though, this project has been significant for me as it has fostered an internal hope for the future and a profound connection with the community.
Testimonies:
Micky Harney
My name is Micky and I am pansexual and nonbinary. As a queer person, I have had my own trials and joys throughout my journey. While I felt comfortable enough to come out to friends in high school, I grew up in the Southern Baptist church and was terrified to tell my family for years until I tried to end my life at 16. I knew then I couldn’t keep my secrets anymore, and while I knew my parents would never approve, they made sure I knew I was always loved. I’m blessed to have a great relationship with them now and be openly myself with no fear anymore.
Working in the arts, I’m happy to be a part of something where queer people have a wonderful community that I’ve come to know. Art is everywhere and for everyone, which makes it invaluable to the queer community. I know I am lucky to be in such a positive position, and I aim to be more involved in LGBTQ initiatives and organizations as it is something dear to my heart and a way I feel I can make the world a better place. I want to be a representation of hope, sort of a success story for other queer people to hopefully feel comfortable and confident, and know they are never alone. We are here and we are valid, we always have been and always will be.
Ainsley Miller
Joy is Resistance. This is the phrase that has gotten me through personal, professional, and political turmoil for years and it feels more and more relevant and necessary every day. My name is Ainsley Miller. I am a senior here at Furman who loves art, music, film, food, books, deep conversation, learning, and travel. I am actively working to grow into the best version of myself every day. I am stubborn, honest to a fault, creative, ambitious, anxious, and just trying to do my best. And I am actively choosing to embrace all of the things in my life that bring me joy. The joy in sharing laughter, in helping others, in a quiet moment, or a good cup of coffee. For me embracing the things that bring me joy includes creating and consuming art in all forms. Art allows us to confront and embrace the best and worst parts of ourselves. To see others, their journeys, their identities, and their stories. Therefore, creating and consuming art without making space for diverse artists is a hollow, half-measured attempt at demonstrating the beauty of human creation. There is joy in embracing those around you no matter their ethnicity, background, or sexuality and that joy in itself is Resistance.
Jacob Robertson
My name is Jacob, and I am a senior on track to graduating in May. I consider myself to be someone who indulges in both arts and STEM based fields, and I aim to utilize both when I study Industrial Design in the fall at Georgia Tech for graduate studies.
To be “queer” is to break the norms of society. It is about self-discovery and realizing that you don’t fit into the mold, as well as learning how to fit yourself for your own path. Art is a form of expression and delivering messages to audiences about one’s emotions. To be a queer artist is to express the unique hardships that we face when discovering our own paths and seeing similar experiences in other queer artists and realizing that you’re surrounded by others who forge their own paths.
One of my fears is that of stereotypes. I never like the idea of being called slurs for having a boyfriend and not a girlfriend, or for being harassed for “not actually being gay” just because I don’t paint my nails. I want there to be days where I can just be me – a guy who likes guys and that’s that. I want a world where we aren’t judged by the person we love most. Regardless, I stay optimistic. I personally look forward to the next chapter of my life, where I am developing further relations with my boyfriend. This is the first relationship ever for both of us, and we have learned ways to communicate, to grow, and to develop confidence in both ourselves and each other!”
Summer Karle
My name is Summer Karle and I am currently a Junior History Major and WGSS Minor at Furman University. Beyond academics I am in ROTC, I work on-campus at Enrollment Services, and I was just elected president of the Furman Pride Alliance. I love cooking, going to the movies with friends, and lake walks. Due to my ROTC scholarship, I will commission as an Army Officer the day before graduation. I hope to get an Active-Duty slot, and I want to be stationed in Korea or Germany. I also want to eventually go to law school, either before or after my service.
My experience has been mostly positive throughout my journey. I realized I was queer in 10th grade, and I have identified as a lesbian since. I am not out to most of my family, but I live openly on campus. I have been privileged during my time at Furman as I have faced very little issues due to my identity. However, I want to make it clear that Furman is not a haven, as I have had many close queer friends experience homophobia and transphobia on campus.
My biggest goal in life is to have a family. I want a wife and kids (and so many cats). Being a mom wasn’t something I wanted until I knew I was gay. I was raised to think that having children also meant having a husband. However, when I began to picture having a wife/partner, it became clear that I wanted kids, just not with a man.
Image credit: Alexandra Aradas
