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IMPACT
Unapologetically You: Freedom of Expression in the LGBT+ Community
Gen Z appears to have had more freedom to express themselves than any other generation; Manjula discusses how this has been shown by the LGBT+ community. The ability to express oneself through art is one of the most liberating things, and our generation is lucky in that now our freedom of expression is so vast and great. We, as a society, are finally starting to move forward towards the inclusivity of all people, no matter their race, gender, sexuality, class, ability and age, but for gender and sexuality especially, expression through art has been amazing.
‘The increase of androgenous fashion within popular culture, influenced by the gender fluid identities in the LGBTQ+ community, has led to new and original styles’
In the 21st century, the LGBTQ+ community has become more accepted than ever before, and the ways in which different aspects of this community have led to artistic expression is incredible. The increase of androgenous fashion within popular culture, influenced by the gender fluid identities in the LGBTQ+ community, has led to new and original styles. Unisex clothing has become more common, and it allows people who don’t adhere to the gendered clothing norms to express themselves through their fashion in order to show and be who they truly are. Another way in which the LGBTQ+ community have been able to express themselves through fashion is through pride flags and colours which enable people to be proud of who they are. Yearly Pride events have become a tradition and it is inspiring to see the artistic expression of the community through things like makeup, clothing and hair colours. The existence of Pride has fed into other art forms such as paintings, sculptures and film which just goes to show how loud expression from the LGBTQ+
community is. Gilbert Baker was the artist that actually designed the rainbow flag and his art along with many others expresses the identities within this community. For example Zanele Muholi, who uses their experience as a black queer person to create films, and Francis Cannon who does illustrations focusing on the body, gender and sexuality.
‘The makeup, fashion and performances that drag queens do is not only a way in which they can express themselves but is also for entertainment purposes’
Lastly, the most well-known form of artistic expression from the LGBTQ+ community is drag, and the television show RuPaul’s Drag Race has encouraged it to become popular. The art form of drag is predominantly carried out by gay men, and despite its many misconceptions, more and more people are learning about it and appreciating the talent and creativity that goes into it. The makeup, fashion and performances that drag queens do is not only a way in which they can express themselves, but is also for entertainment purposes, hence the popularity of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The LGBTQ+ community have expressed themselves through so many different art forms, from film to makeup. As we continue to move forward in society, we can appreciate and be inspired by the way in which the community uses their freedom of expression.
By Manjula Simon Illustrations by Harriet Bray Page Design by Sarah MacAllan
