About
I kept all those different experiences as 'food for thought'. I found typical traces while listening to those exquisite narratives from people who left home to brave the world. Despite their varied backgrounds, they always find a community to thrive and comfort themselves. This is where they feel safe and reconnect to their sense of belonging.
It has been the same feeling everywhere I have been. You will see different nuances, but at the core, you will find the same kind of sense of protection, unity and, most of all, affection.
During the pandemic, I started to read a lot and study everything that happened during the New York disco period as much as possible. I consumed all the possible knowledge I could via books, articles, zines, records, websites, interviews, and videos.
The main reason for my interest in this particular period is that it is relevant to today's culture. This was a period where police were raiding bars to beat gay men and take them to jail alongside trans women and drag queens. Society would handle that situation as entirely acceptable.
Until one powerful voice said, 'Enough!'. That was it. A butch drag king, a couple of powerful trans queens, a group of brave gay men, and lesbians, all together, and an uprise was formed against the establishment.
It's fascinating to hear all the zeitgeist that came out of it. It is no surprise that New York became what it is. It is a cultural reference that artists from all over the world would go to looking for an opportunity to develop their talents.
Following the yellow brick road
This year, I gave myself a walking tour of New York as a birthday gift, where I would visit all the places I have been reading and studying about over the years.
As a creative person and admirer of that scene, I wanted to be surrounded by that Manhattan energy where the ballroom scene and all the legendary queer kids got recognition for their talents by the end of the 80s.
What a privilege it was to feel the beat of the Meatpacking District, to go where the Paradise Garage used to be and still feel that vibration and imagine how many souls have been touched by the magic of Larry Levan. See the incredible art of Keith Haring for free, in the most unapologetic way, taking over public spaces. Walk the same paths where Ms. Marsha P. Jhonson and Ms. Sylvia Rivera used to walk. What a true blessing.
Unfortunately, I was surprised by a city that is still vibrant although harmed by gentrification. Some of the landmarks I wanted to see no longer exist. They have been demolished. In its place, luxury flats or office units, there was no mention of what had been there in the past. No plaques. No statues. Nothing. Less than fifty years and memory is already on course to be erased.
Thankfully, brave people are working to preserve history. I was lucky to find the work of the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project. They currently map all the landmarks and significant sites to LGBTQ+ history. This is where I built most of my walking path and enhanced my learning with further landmarks.
I was expecting to see artistic and creative passion everywhere. That was the story I have been sold. And I still found it, but not where I was expecting.
We see so many people chasing the hype or the latest trend. At the same pace, you notice so many unfulfilled lives. People who are never content with what they have despite having so much.
Following the path of those brave Pride heroes, I saw that the new zeitgeist is based on ordinary people. It's about the connections we can make and the positive outcomes we get from it.
New York has gone through so much, yet it stands as a cultural reference. I was disappointed to see many landmarks that meant so much to me being forgotten in the chaos. However, today, I can understand that those places belong to the past and that many competent people are working hard to preserve them.
In my own way, I founded the House of a Kind. Like in the old tradition of the ballroom. More than a house of vogueing or fashion, a house of art, a house to spread the message of kindness to the world. Where the door is always open to anyone that relates to our message.
It is sad to see sometimes our own community segregating itself or trying to put our people in boxes and labels when 'queerstory' shows us that resistance comes from fighting together, never separating. Suppose the modern society zeitgeist is about giving a voice to the ordinary or noticing the exquisite in those shown on the platform. In that case, it is time to make kindness the new trend.
We are here to bring all together. Do you feel like one of a kind? Are you producing any art that fits into our ethos? Do you relate to this feeling?
Let's talk. I'm here to listen.
Xx
About the author
One day, my father told me that happiness didn't exist. Since then, my life has become an obsession to prove him wrong.
One day, Mom told me I should treat everyone the same way. No distinction should be made between the top executive and the lovely person who cleans the kitchen. In fact, those are more likely to be the best people you will meet.
One day, my father told me he was the best friend I would ever have. That was quite a pretentious thing for him to say.
I could write this about everything I achieved in life, my path, and my CV. I choose to define myself in a simple way: I became the best version of my heroes.
I am just like my parents. I am only like this because I had the opportunity to be surrounded by a family that provided me with the best love one could ask for. And although life is not easy, although many times I didn't know how to communicate with them, I never stopped loving them.
Recently, Mom told me I'm a warrior. I learned everything from the best example one could ask for when it comes to strength, working hard, and never giving up despite life's challenges.
And yes, Dad was right.
He is my best friend.
I must thank the London Family, Iona, Cal and both Gabis. When you brave the world, it's a constant battle with the unexpected. You never know what challenge is ahead of you. These guys have made the journey more fun and pleasurable.
Thank you, Renata, for all the long chats, reflections, and debates and for guiding me in most moments. You are a true inspiration, and I will always be grateful to have you as a friend.
And to all the subjects, the unique and stunning people you can see in these pictures, thank you for sharing some of your stories with me. Thank you for opening your hearts.
You are all one of a kind.
xx