描述
Read the full story in Twitter Thread or in unlock-able content folder.
My whole childhood I’ve spent in a country where LGBTQ+ people are being systematically abused, punished and often killed. In Russia, it is illegal to acknowledge existence of LGBTQ+ people or their rights. It is illegal to look at them as human beings or show any sign of support for them. It is punishable by law to discuss their existence. “Gay Propaganda Law” or “Anti-Gay Law” is that official government law.
Canada
I moved to Canada 4 years ago. Canada is the most LGBTQ+ welcoming country I’ve ever been to along with Scandinavian countries, which were the first to protest trans & LGBTQ+ peoples’ rights.
I wish everyone could feel as safe as I do and have been since I escaped Russia at 16 years old. I wish I could help people who are stuck in places where their lives are ruined. The truth is, as much as we are safe here in the West (yet we also have a lot of problems and things to work on to make it a better place) most of the world’s population does not have that privilege. I made this edition to celebrate the Pride Month. I hope everyday the world is becoming a better and safer place for anyone who is oppressed. Let’s finally vibrate higher all together. We don’t need this. No to any kind of oppression.
About this photo
2018
This house at Woodbine Beach in Toronto has nothing to do with LGBTQ+ except the flag which it had on its pole to show support for inclusivity. But for me, this house symbolizes the safety Canada & Canadians have granted me. I will be forever grateful and thankful for what I have today. There are things we take for granted. A lot of things. But we have a lot to be grateful for. I wish everyone could say the same. I wish everyone to be safe and respected.
There are two men in this picture. A dad and his son. The dad was turning 89 years old that day. It was my first week in Canada as an immigrant. They were taking photos around the beach area. I came up to them and said: “It’s hard to believe that it’s legal to have this flag just like this, hanging here, without being arrested or assaulted!”, to which the two laughed and the older guy said: “Never thought of it that way. Welcome to Canada young man.” That was the moment I knew it was the safe space.
The utilities (unlock-able content) for this edition include:
1. 50% invested directly in the Artverse Artists.
2. Holders will get discounted mint-pass for ALL future collections.
3. Full digital size via Google Drive.
4. Airdrop to a nominated LGBTQ+ artist at a sell out.
Email to izekhangeles@gmail.com for tickets, other or to connect more! Thank you so much for supporting my work!