Q: What was the inspiration behind the designs for your Roots PRIDE collection?

A: “I’m always inspired by dance and how movement can be such a unique and authentic expression of ourselves. It’s how I feel most like myself.

Dance is also such an important part of how Queer folks experience joy and express themselves freely. I wanted to show how we move to our own beat.

I was also inspired by flowers, because they are unique like us. I brainstormed terms and phrases that embodied pride and queer expression and settled on “We Are Who We Are”, which can encompass all the forms of gender, sexual expression in the queer community. Plus, it feels positive and hopeful.”

Q: How does your art empower you to express your true self?

A: “My art gives me the opportunity to showcase what I care about and what I’m inspired by, which are my community, dance, and radical joy. It feels like a mirror, because I get to represent the people I see in my world and by proxy, see myself reflected in my work. It gives voice to those parts of me that I used to feel scared to share, but now feel so proud of.”

Q: How do 2SLGBTQ+ communities inspire you and/or your work?

A: “The 2SLGBTQ+ community is in everything I do. Queerness is an energy that’s bold, strong and empowering, and I’m inspired by the queer folks who fought to bring us to where we are today, and the ones who keep pushing for representation and putting their voices out in the world. It’s also just such a beautiful and diverse community, that it inspires me to embrace having fun, colour, and everything in between.”

Q: Do you have any advice for people navigating their journey being their authentic selves?

A: “My advice is to look to what makes you feel innately good, what lights you up, and do more of that. When you say yes to those moments and learn to trust your gut, you’re moving more into your authentic self.”