“La Rosa Sagrada “The Sacred Rose”

Featured in BEYONDall Magazine

Artist Statement

This editorial concept conveys the tainting of a sacred symbol, the rose. Representing rebirth, throughout this editorial the rose remains resilient despite its desecration. Similarly to how I bloomed into my own sexuality & gender. A once submissive boy chastised by their environment, sprouts into a confident non-binary despite retaliation.

Another key element is the Thorny vines. These depict society as humanities life-force. However, it can be restricting to those who don't conform. When I became more comfortable with my identity, I was opposing the traditional social norms from my Christian upbringing. Thorns present on vines protect, but over stood for too long they can suppress the plant. Comparably to how society can be left unevolved. Forcing the taboo to be made more palatable or trying to remove its existence altogether. That is why there’s so much freedom in embracing the unconventional. Whether that's taking pride in your sexuality, gender, race, disabilities, size, etc. You are directly subverting what society thanks you should be shameful for.

Naturally taking ownership of your persecution won't solve it and can make your life more difficult. Living openly queer & non-binary has definitely left its fair share of trauma. Also, for some of us, our persecutions are very visible. In spite of this, it’s the ability to create and be in charge of your own narrative. Even if it vilifies you in the eyes of others. That's where true resilience lies!

𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘚𝘢𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘙𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘴, 𝘪𝘵 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴...