the fluidity of expression, experimentation, growth, & reinvention contribute to our ever-changing reflection of identity. many individuals in the lgbtqia+ community use their hair as a way to express themselves & subvert the media’s norms. the appeal of instant reinvention satisfies cravings for change, identity affirmation, & confidence. i honor how hair intimately intersects with family, culture, & politics in addition to their lgbtqia+ identities. in each image we make together, my sitters take agency of their Queer self expression.
do-it-yourself haircuts done in the privacy of our homes emphasize the importance of community support & alternative styles. through conversation, we share experiences & develop trust with each other to produce images that are authentic to their experiences. with subtle connections to each other through charged gestures & directive gaze, each person has bonded with each other. hair styles, accessories, length, and color act as a signal to other Queer people of our generation to publicly gain a sense of unspoken community.
each sitter gives me a part of their hair & in return, i create a piece of jewelry with their hair for them to wear. the jewelry becomes a collective reflection of our shared experiences. through collaboration with Queer people in generation-z, the work empowers freedom of expression through their hair.
