“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” – the Golden Rule – is a commandment of Jesus, however it feels absent from modern evangelical Christianity. More and more the Church, especially the American Church, is known for what it stands against and not for what it stands for. It is known for who it hates and not who it loves.
Being raised in a conservative Southern Baptist tradition, my personal journey with my faith and my own queer identity was met with great struggle. Even before I truly understood my own identity, I felt ostracized for even supporting and loving other queer individuals.
This series explores the intersection of religion and queer identity, often seen as opposing forces. Through conceptual self-portraiture, I examine the ways I present myself in various contexts, incorporating religious symbols, art, and themes. I also reference directly the harmful teachings of the Westboro Baptist Church; a gross example of “Christianity” being used to justify hatred. By confronting this rhetoric, I strive not only to critique, but to reclaim and offer a vision of faith that embraces rather than excludes. My goal is to challenge prejudice, invite reflection, and extend compassion to others like myself who long for a place where faith and identity can coexist.
Date: 2025
INSTALLATION
