Category Is... African Kween Realness

Continuing with the inspiration from the series Pose, 

I wanted to do an African Queen inspired look. Perhaps a

bit basic but I'll take it as a learning curve for now. 

Pose

Had a busy few months starting a new job and trying to figure out

how to juggle every thing in between as well. But here it is. A new shoot! ;D

Initially this was titled 'Business As Usual' to celebrate my new job, but

I have been watching Pose and wanted to do more shoots incorporating

the themes of the fabulous series. 

 

Pride (Won't Back Down)

Ya'll didn't think there'd be a follow up, did ya? Well surprise!

I had been listening to P!nk's 'What About Us' and at first thought

I'd do a shoot inspired by the music video, but I didn't have all those

elements available, so I went with the message it wanted to convey, 

and how that translate into the LGBT+ struggles we face today. 

The second verse and bridge in particular spoke to me and what

I had to go through growing an overweight, effeminate gay kid. And

I still tear up now and then when I really sit down and listen the song, 

because it's not something that goes away, it's not something that we pack

away under the bed when we'd had enough of it. Our scars, we walk around

with it everyday, and everyday is a consequence of those scars. 

"We are problems that want to be solved

We are children that need to be loved

We were willin', we came when you called

But, man, you fooled us, enough is enough.

Sticks and stones, they may break these bones
But then I'll be ready, are you ready?
It's the start of us, waking up, come on
Are you ready? I'll be ready
I don't want control, I want to let go
Are you ready? I'll be ready
'Cause now it's time to let them know
We are ready, what about us?"

And because of that, this photoshoot is dedicated to every single kid out there

who got called horrible names, bullied and got broken down, this is for you kid, 

cos we refuse to back down.

We Can Do It (Pride)

A new shoot! I know right, I'm shocked myself, but

it was damn long over due, and it felt great to take photos

again!

With June being Pride month, I wanted this shoot to represent

my pride in not just my sexuality, but also personally. Taking 

direct inspiration from the 'Rosie the Riveter' poster, which was

initially created to boost worker morale in 1943, this iconic photo

went on to represent feminism in the 80's as well as other political

issues at the time.

For me, and I believe for many of my gay peers, this

represents so much of our culture as well, and although

this probably had nothing to do with gay rights, personally this

represents our continuous battle for acceptance, for equality. 

That we will always fight for what we believe in, for what

we are proud of. 

And so, this is my take on this iconic piece of history: