The world can seem to be headed in a direction of acceptance for folks who are not a part of the binary world we find ourselves thrown into, but every day is still charged with strong opinions shared with loud words, bold signs, and intense messages that try to pull down the supports we have built. 

My use of camo is unusual as I do not connotate this print to things that I find calming, but in this case is a cheeky salute to the constant fight that queer people are engaging in daily just to be themself. The folks who have yet to explore and find themselves are celebrated in this piece as it tells the story of discovery - raising a glass to every person who is or has embarked on their self love journey. The pops of High Vis orange are seen in areas that naturally draw the eye, or have been used for spaces that are critical to the garments construction. The folks who have made the plunge into their identity and fully show this without discretion are the exact people I had in mind when creating this concept, as they have paved the road for every person who follows, and are the first to feel the ripples of hate we encounter in our society. 

To make up the bulk of the garment, I used a camouflage suiting, that is representing the folks in our community who have not come to terms with their identity fully yet, or who have, but are remaining discreet. This integral part of our community has the process of unlearning self hate to focus on. Our society, accidentally and intentionally in some cases, erases queer expression, and has been worsened by the impact of DADT (Don't ask don't tell) or the ongoing HIV AIDS crisis that has taken too many of our community away from us and continues to be a hotspot for misinformation and stigma. The process of shedding this oppressive cloud is intense and not a simple process for folks, and I did not want to look past or discredit that battle. 

Wherever you are in your journey of self discovery - I commend your strength, resolve, and pride. Thank you for your existence