Dissipating (Hate) & Sailor's Son - A Measure of a Man
Dissipating (Hate)
The piece itself is inspired by jaye simpson's presentation, the rain represents the negative words we hear raining down like a storm. In the corner, there is hope, found in community and acceptance. The words from the poem and painting are inspired by our personal journeys. We have tied everything together in this piece where hope and community create a safe space.
Sailor’s Son – A Measure of a Man
Water washes over me; it’s the only
thing that keeps me from drowning.
Suffocating screams stay in my head,
silent for everyone but me.
Safeguarded by apron strings in a
palatial paradise that pains my skin.
Whirling around in a kitchen of care;
creating, loved, expression always there.
*SLAM* *click* *Thump*
His Steps quicken and a
tongue lashes out labels:
“queer,” “fruit,” and
eyes roll like fists.
Enough jabs to leave me bleeding,
a matriarch sewing mends where she can.
A safe space created from cast-offs
of chaos and control in
patriarchal purgatory.
An empathetic embrace,
whirling through woes with a
woman full of love.
Somehow surviving misogynistic matters
while wearing a fashionable smile.
Always an ally, letting light-in-the-
loafers-me dance freely.
Picking pansies with mom is dandy;
safer spaces are people, humanity.
Saltwater streams down my cheeks,
born next to the sea.
Healed, cleansed and free,
drawing strength from perceived inadequacy.
Stephen Colwell & Nina Savoie-Colwell
This year's Summit (Disrupt and Reconstruct) has given us a platform and the opportunity to express ourselves artistically as a queer couple. As a straight-presenting married couple, we often are not taken seriously or recognized by our peers for our queer identities. Allowing us to have a safe and accepting space to express our past traumas allows us to feel welcomed as part of the greater 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Having a community that understands the pain and trauma related to being excluded simply for existing in a world where being different is wrong is a powerful feeling. Community and understanding create a fellowship and a safe space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals to feel heard, accepted, and valued as members of society.
We both have a passion for arts and culture and are both pursuing our Master's degrees in our fields of interest Psychology and Education where we hope to contribute to building an ethical society. We believe in promoting diversity, inclusion, equity, respect, etc. Just a few of the positive words in our art piece.