Madelyn Arnold (they/them), Denver Queer History, 2023, digital drawing and collage. Artist Statement: "My artwork is about the history of queerness in Denver. How our rights and acceptance by the government, society, and ourselves has progressed over the decades."
Marin Perkins (they/them), Rejoin/Rest, 2024, digital illustration.
Venice Garcia (any/all), Fight Back, 2024, video with no sound.
Jack Hughins (he/him), I Hope He Wasn't Alone, 2024, ink on paper.
Madelyn Arnold "The Spark" (Procreate, images from resources tab on website provided )(8.5X11in)(they/them), "The Spark," 2024, digital drawing and collage. Artist's Statement "For this art piece I wanted to focus on what the movement was, what, and who it was about. When I had first saw Irene De Soto’s mugshot, I thought that she had looked very angelic, and I wanted to make sure that she was the center and focal point of this piece. Since her death had been what sparked the gathering and protest from the queer and trans community. In the background are images of the protest, protesters, and signs. As well as the image of downtown Denver, where she had lived. I chose the have images of the protesters below her, as she gazed at them from above, to further reinforce the impact in her murder. While Irene De Soto is only known by her mugshot and her story was almost lost, it is important to continue to teach about her and the history of this movement. Especially the history of violence against Trans people, to learn how to better support the trans community, and prevent more stories like Irene’s. "
Darien Russell (they/she), Human, 2024, digital painting.
Annalucia Krieger (he/they) and Jude Kasemsan (they/them), Past, Present, Future, 2024, digital collage. Artist's Statement "Past, Present, and Future delves into all three axes of the gay rights movement. In the past, iconic figures such as Marsha P Johnson lead the way in New York, paving the way for new generations. In the present, we have the March for Irene De Soto, led by figures who we may not have names for, but still leave a profound impact. Finally, in the future, there is me (Annalucia) and Jude, carving our way foreword to whatever the world may bring. This piece highlights how throughout history, there have always been role models to stand up for what we believe in. As each generation teaches another, our history continues, as it always has and always will. "
Eli Uliss (he/they), Irene, 2024, acrylic and gouache paint on fiber insulation. Artist's Statement "This artwork memorializes and honors Irene, preserving her image so her life and legacy lives on. Irene's story mirrors so much violence against trans people today because we similarly live in a time of high visibility, which with comes violence and the denial of our rights to autonomy. Irene De Soto didn't have to die, but her legacy of change can extend to today. The red teardrop that she and so many others have bled does not have to continue, as long as we remember the people that have suffered before us and uphold their right to justice."
Emireth Martinez-Solis Drawing tablet + apple pen Artist (11.47 x 18.477 inches) - Artists Statement "The prompts and the people within them are all extraordinary and should be all recognized for their words however, I looked at these two prompts and I realized that their isn't enough imagination and words in the world of what these people did and they are barely recognized for it. I wanted to dedicate my drawing for both Attorney Jerry Garash and Attorney Wendell Sayers for their infatuating stories on their gay liberation and who their words affected the state of how Denver is today. How could I simply choose? I thought it would be unwell of me to just draw about one historical figure and not the other because they both live up to the words they teach for future generations to come."
Sophia Singh "Full Bloom" (Oil on Canvas)(8.5 X 11"in) Artists Statement "Irene (name of Greek origin, national flower of Greece is Bear's Breech) Desoto (name of Spanish origin, national flower of Spain is the carnation) and the transsexual (transgender victims of assault and brutality are often honored at their funerals with bouquets of roses), Lesbian (Sappho the greek poet who lived on the island of Lesbos often associated violets with love between two women), and Gay (gay men in Victorian England would wear green carnations to help identify each other, a trend started by Oscar Wilde) Defense Coalition. This woman's life story wasn't told and may not be able to ever be uncovered as a result of her death. In this piece I wanted to remember her legacy and vibrancy through the illustration of flowers I imagine would have been found at her funeral ceremony. The additional flowers in my piece include pansies ("pansy" a term used in the early 1900's often in a derogatory sense for gay men and drag performers), Lavender (stonewall rioters wore lavender on their lapels and the lesbian movement was nicknamed the Lavender Menace), dahlias, orchids, and marigolds (each of those being a beautiful symbols of hispanic and latinx communities)"
Alaina Martinez "Shades of Love" (22X28 In)(Acrylic Paint) Artists Statement "My artwork celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and the rich tapestry of human experiences. Through my art, I seek to challenge norms, provoke introspection, and foster change by highlighting the beauty and resilience of the LGBTQ community. Each brushstroke and color choice tells a story of love, acceptance, and empowerment. Participating in the 'Words We Teach Art Contest LGBTQ' provides an opportunity to amplify these messages and contribute to a more inclusive and understanding world through artistic expression. In my piece, I portray Irene's strength through the vibrant colors in her hair and face. The colors of the birds symbolize cheer and growth in prosperity with their green and yellow hues. The gray statue represents society's evolving acceptance of LGBTQ individuals' soul and their authentic expression."