“Gender Dysphoria, LGBTQIA+ justice”
acrylic on collage of recycled materials on unmounted canvas panel
72”x36”
Currently NFS
A sassy person is walking by the pool, proudly showing us their rainbow umbrella with a white dove. Their gender neutral bathing suit has a beautiful print representing Lili with a feather fan, a 1920 painting by the Danish painter Gerda Wegener. A necklace with the word “love” written on it accessorizes their outfit. The mood by the pool is festive, lights are hanging over their head, the pastel colors and the blue pool are a peaceful invitation to enjoy the moment.
Lili Elbe was born Einar Wegener (1882-1931). She was one of the first people in history to undergo a series of gender-modifying operations in order to become a woman both physically and legally. She died as a result of complications after her last operation. Gerda Wegener married Einar Wegener in 1904. As Einar slowly became Lili, she became her favorite model. Lili appears as a woman dressed in a variety of wigs, gowns, and shoes in many portrayals. As painter and muse transcend conventional gender barriers, we get a glimpse of the couple's friendship and affection.
Sexual orientation or gender identity are multiple, as we can see from the abbreviation LGBTQIA+ for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, and more. It’s not new in the history of humankind. In Neolithic and Bronze Age artwork, a "third sex" human figure is represented with feminine breasts and male genitalia or without differentiating sex traits.
Unfortunately, throughout human history, and even more so today, in many nations around the world, being a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex person can be dangerous to one's life. Bullying, persecution, and gender-based violence are just a few of the many ways that LGBTQIA+ persons can be subjected to discrimination and violence, as well as being denied employment or access to necessary medical treatment. Around the world, protests calling for the protection of LGBTQIA+rights are violently repressed.
Bathing suit: Gerda Wegener, Lili with feather fan, 1920 (details)