Despite the censorship of authentic identity affirmation by the cisgender-heterosexual gaze, Queer people have created increased visibility for ourselves. Almost Seems explores the evolution of Queer people’s encrypted language for self-protection through the connection of multiple generations of the LGBTQIA+ community. Stemming from our collaboration, I reflect on their experiences and utilize self-portraiture to redefine my Queer identities’ progression. Through dimension and aroma, I challenge what we have been socialized to consider a gendered space and reinvent it to include the LGBTQIA+ community. The images visualize Queer people’s consciousness of the hesitation to express ourselves and celebrates LGBTQIA+ people’s resilience to subvert heteronormativity.
Evolving understandings of ourselves influence our interactions with each other in private and reclaimed communal spaces. Codes spanning across generations operate as a dialect that connects us. As a young, Latinx, Queer individual, I honor the experiences of the predecessors who have impacted my identity rights.
I ask that only people who are in the LGBTQIA+ community use the word "Queer" when referring to my community as it is a reclaimed slur.
