It helps to give a platform for queer artists, said queer artist Iko Salas, since “we deserve to be seen, and celebrated.”
And so Salas, with Sticker Con MNL, co-organized Queerlayaan, a safe space – if you will – where queer artists can showcase their work, and where those who are into queer art can check. For this iteration of the gathering, most of the works were in stickers.
“It’s high time that we bring more events from the community,” said Grace Marcellana, Sticker Con MNL organizer.
From 250-300 queer artists joined Queerlayaan, and – added Marcellana – there were more people who expressed interest in joining; however, the organizers were “limited by the space”. All the same, “it’s all about visibility. We believe that it (helps to) spread more awareness about the struggles of the queer community.”
“It is very important to showcase queer art, queer content for us to be seen, and for us to shout that we’re here and we’re queer,” Salas said.
In the end, LGBTQIA people should keep fighting, stressed Salas. And with queer artists, in particular, “continue fighting for equality. Let your art be seen. Don’t be silenced through censorship because we’re just expressing ourselves.” – WITH STEPHEN CHRISTIAN P. QUILACIO
