Queer and Creative

by Nia Sinclair

I have been a part of the creative field almost all my life. Throughout the years, I’ve noticed that many of the people I’ve met and become close friends with have also been a part of the queer community. Since queer people often engage in the arts, there must be a reason why.

Is it because creativity happens to comes easily? Is it because the creative community is one of the few communities that will accept queer people?

I asked a couple of my friends who were part of both the queer and creative community about their journeys in relation to these parts of their identities.

Alyssa Carranza
She/Her/Hers

What is your relationship with the arts?

I used to be a modern dancer and perform in my school chorus.

How has having a creative outlet helped you with your queer journey?

Having a creative outlet allowed me to see my queer journey the same way as my dance journey. It's not always going to be easy and accepted, but as long as I’m proud and happy with who I am, the quality of the work I put out becomes so much better.

What advice do you have to any queer person who may be wanting to explore the arts but is still not sure?

Step out of your comfort zone! Explore the different things the arts have to offer. For me dance not only helped me be comfortable with myself, but it introduced me to people who had experiences similar to mine. You may not even be good at first, but being persistent can help you see that you’re not alone and there are people around you who support you and love you.

What is your relationship with the arts?

Arts have always been a passion for me; from classic to modern, all art amazes me. Living in a country where historical monuments, architecture and artifacts surrounded me, has definitely influenced my knowledge about the topic.

How has having a creative outlet helped you with your queer journey?

Having a creative outlet has surely opened my mind to many things that I wasn't aware of. However, because of the stereotypes about heterosexuality often illustrated in art, I personally felt out of the ordinary. Thankfully, today artists are more inclusive and open-minded about diversity.

What advice do you have to any queer person who may be wanting to explore the arts but is still not sure?

Art is a form of expression that generated as humans started exploring the word. There is still discrimination towards queer people, in fact, most of the art present today that was created in the past may have had stereotypical meanings behind them, however, in modern society, artists have become more open minded. Moral of the story, keep your confidence up and know that there are always people who you will be able to relate to and confide in, and the creative community offers that. So don’t hesitate. Don’t let fear stop you because fear is temporary.

M’mah Sakho
She/Her/Hers

Nia Sinclair
She/Her/Hers

What is your relationship with the arts?

When I was 3, my parents put me it my first ballet class. I danced throughout elementary and Junior High. I have more recently taken music seriously. I write my own songs, play guitar and sing. I hope to make a career out of this.

How has having a creative outlet helped you with your queer journey?

In my dance classes, I was never the only queer person. I always felt comfortable being me because I knew that I wouldn't be judged by anyone. I was always encouraged to be the best version of me without hiding any part of my identity.

What advice do you have to any queer person who may be wanting to explore the arts but is still not sure?

Just go for it! You’ll have so much more to gain than lose. You might regret not trying and seeing what could have been. It’ll open a door to more opportunities and will surround you with people who have your best interests at heart.

The creative community is a community that welcomes and attracts people who feel as though they are outcasts and may not fit in with their peers. Queer people often fit this criteria. Both of these communities intertwine. In a way, being queer is creative, even if one doesn’t have to be queer to be creative. The arts is almost a safe haven for queer people.

Students who are looking for a way to express themselves through the arts can start with something simple like creating a dance to a song that holds significance to you or even just doodling. Schools can make sure that their students feel safe by giving them an easily accessible outlet for expression, like having a theatre, dance, art, vocal or writing club. I want people to realize how much power the arts hold and the positive change it can bring into people's lives.

What are ways that you use creativity to express yourself and the identities you hold?
What are ways that your GSA can use creativity to make an impact on your school's environment and attract people who “feel like outcasts?”
Sketch out a way gameplan of how you can use folks creative skills to make a positive impact on your school.
Submit your art to our Creative Expressions exhibit!

Submit to creative expressions for no name calling week.

Queer and Creative

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Queer and Creative