“I’m a lesbian, 15 year old art who’s just inspired by everything I’ve been experiencing with myself and observing the kids/people around me while growing up. For example, ‘It’s easier to get lost when you’re lonely” is about all the paths you can take in life and to be cautious with your choices. To keep pushing no matter how hard it gets!”
-Victoria L.
IG: @vLfewocious
Twitter: @fewocious
“I'd really just like to include that my name is Mallory. I'm 18. I grew up in such a demanding family in society. My get away from all of their expectations was being able to create whatever I wanted, and as I grew older I realized I could seriously do whatever I wanted as long as I was happy. So I'm now going to college to get my Masters in Fine Arts, and I don't care what anyone says. I want everyone to know (being bisexual) that it's okay to take your life and mold it into what you want it to be. Fuck everyone else.”
-Mallory Brown
“4 in 10 LGBT youth (42%) say the community in which they live is not accepting of LGBT people.”
“LGBT youth are twice as likely as their peers to say they have been physically assaulted”
“Roughly three-quarters (73%) of LGBT youth say they are more honest about themselves online than in the real world.”
“92% of LGBT youth say they hear negative messages about being LGBT. The top sources are school, the Internet, and their peers.”
“68% of LGBT youth say they hear negative messages about being LGBT from elected leaders.”
“LGBT youth out to their immediate families are more likely to report being happy than those who are not out.”
“Highly rejected LGBTQ young people are 8 times as likely to have attempted suicide”
“Highly rejected LGBTQ young people are nearly 6 times as likely to report high levels of depression.”
“Highly rejected LGBTQ young people are more than 3 times as likely to use illegal drugs”
“Hello! I'm Julia Allen, about to be a junior at Northgate High School. While rushing to finish AP Art summer assignments, I created my first ever piece of political art, and Frances's recent post on Instagram inspired me to submit it. Thank you for inspiring people to speak their truths; here is a piece of mine.”
-Julia Allen
IG: @jvliaallen
“Hello I am a 16 year old latina. My art speaks on behalf of all humans. Naked in their feelings, vulnerable in position of society, scared and confused of mistreatment from others and self. I am one that wants to embrace that we are human, and as we hold that title that we should be empowered to speak above and beyond those voices of the greedy, un-familiarized, cruel world we are ruled by today. We are different and shouldn't let society, or the media tell us that money, status or entertainment is more valuable than the unique minds and diverse pains of people who aren't seen as instagram models or Kardashians. We are human, we are important, we have a voice and shouldn't have to feel as if looking pretty is the humans only purpose. You are enough to grow, learn and teach so embrace in you and bloom in the world and in yourself.”
-Dulce Mendoza
IG: @dulce_c1
“Hey!! My name is Ann, I'm 18, and I'm an Art major at UC Berkeley. I've been creating art since I was 3, and my favorite medium is acrylic painting, though lately I've delved into digital artwork as well. The major theme surrounding most of my artwork is embodying the beauty and radiance of all of womankind. I love astrology and other spiritual themes as well.”
-Ann L.
IG: @acrylicpaintshorty
“Hi!! I’m Tiff. I’m currently a student at UCSB. I’m 19 and I’m gay.
Growing up in a very traditional Taiwanese household, I never had the choice to express my identity until I reached college. I’ve lived most of my life in fear and anger at who I was becoming. I repressed and tried to forget. Art became my therapist. I’ve been plagued with many misfortunes in my childhood; Art helped me navigate through my depression, trauma, anorexia, and anxiety. Art has become a part of my identity.
Insert extended sad anime backstory here but I am learning how to live, love, and accept.
I’m still experimenting with many things in college and I’m lovin it!! I can now draw all the anime tiddies I want.
To everyone:
Life is hard but you can do it!! Maybe you made mistakes yesterday, but yesterday’s you is still you. Tomorrow, you might be a tiny bit wiser, and that’ll be you too. You’re a fucking STAR. Be safe and no matter who you are, I love you.”
-Tiffany Chen
IG: @geosenge
“My name is Ella Hare and art has always been a part of who I am in every way. I love that I am able to express my beliefs and experiences through my work. I am inspired by my own interactions with the world, therefore my inspiration to create never stops. I love working with ink and watercolors the most, I find that the inevitable imperfections from both mediums give my work character that I think is unique. My goal is to reach an audience so that my work can make whoever views it feel something. Currently I’m working towards an art degree so I can make a career out of what I love.”
-Ella Hare
IG: @3llahar3
Twitter: @ella_hare