This entire season for me has been about growth and change. The way that we look at life today, will not be the same tomorrow because changes are constantly happening around us …. A lot of what we see and conceptualize about the world around us will constantly be changing because that is the essence of life. Change, growth, evolution, and ultimately death (which is also a crucial part of the cycle of life) ushers in and makes room for new life and new growth to begin. —Andre
Photographs
It’s not easy being noticed in a world divided into groups. I take on a persona of Spider Man as a way to be the hero and inspiration for myself first. In other people’s eyes, I’m a hero for myself but also a symbol for others for inspiration. I am determined to stop any and all stigma by raising awareness to kids of the hero they can be for themselves. —Anthony
The inside picture was taken at Oshae Sibley’s memorial ball in September 2023. I felt free. Voguing is my happy place. This picture represents my coping mechanism, I use dancing to cope. When I get on the dance floor I say to myself let me just let it out right here. I didn’t take the picture, but I use it because I get to see how other people see me. The photographer caught me in action, in beautiful light and I want those who see my picture to be inspired to find a positive coping mechanism too. Life never stops; you can do what you love. —Donte
A common finding in people with HIV who experience bigotry is a phenomenon called “self-stigma.” This means that someone applies the stigmas associated with HIV to themselves. Self Stigma may lead to: Isolation, Shame, Despair, and fear of Disclosure. I made this picture as a poster to influence those to acknowledge stigma and constantly fight against it. —Lynn
Whenever you do anything do it with a purpose. Remember there are people there to support you spiritually. It reminds me of the phrase walk by faith and not by sight. The outfit I’m wearing is from Kenya and I bought it from Malcolm Shabazz Market in Harlem. I was nervous to wear this outfit to a formal gala, but I wanted to be different as always. I wanted to represent my heritage and honor those before me: what feels like a grounding force. —Prince
Human beings are going to experience stigma or prejudice one way or another. We ought to take a close look at it, not dismiss it, appropriately assert ourselves and then move on, walk straight ahead, not forget the experience, but leave it in the past. To me the young man in this picture appears to be doing just that. It’s clear that he’s moving forward with a look of determination on his face. The last thing any of us wants to do is let stigma or prejudice hold us back or destroy either the beauty or the wonder that is a part of our lives. —Richard
I feel like a super hero in this picture. I had this picture taken of me so that I could see myself looking like this. With the bright background I feel like in a different and new metaphoric light. I’m becoming a truer self. I’m coming into her. —Samirah