At Morpheyes Studio we are humbled, honored, and excited that many of you took the time to share your stories with us and the community. This series would not be possible without your enthusiasm and vulnerability. Our aim is to show young Deaf Queer people that they are not alone in the world, and give them hope through representation.
Here is one of the many beautiful stories shared with us -- by Kellie Martin!
DESCRIPTIVE TRANSCRIPT:
(The logo of a heart with Pride flag stripes and an outline of an ear in one half of the heart appears on a white background again. The heart logo spins and slides left and right, revealing the words “DEAF + QUEER” in funky black lettering. The heart logo slides up above the title. Then appears a person with brown and dye half blonde hair wearing a jean jacket, a necklace, and a black shirt, in front of a blue forest on a wall.)
I’m proud to be Deaf + Queer because I can be completely myself and be true to who I am! I can express myself creatively in how I look and be unique, and be free to be who I really am. That’s very special to me. I came out when I was 18, and I grew up in the deep South. I’m from Kentucky, where Christianity and religion are a strong force. I struggled for many years to be my real, vulnerable self. But coming out and being open feels so good. You can be yourself and you meet other people who experience the same struggle. Other people who struggled growing up, your chosen family, your community -- everyone’s close. We cherish each other. Through my art, I express my experiences as a Queer person. I encourage you to choose your community to support you through your journey. Choose those who you are close to or look up to to mentor you and help you learn and progress. Your gender identity or your sexual orientation can change; that’s okay! You’re still you -- a beautiful soul. Always be true to yourself; your presence is special.
(Fade. The logo of a heart with Pride flag stripes and an outline of an ear in one half of the heart appears on a white background again, above the words “DEAF + QUEER” in funky black lettering. End.)