An embroidery piece that states “We Are” in the centre. The text is surrounded by nature-inspired embroidery grouped by the colors red, yellow, green, blue, and purple, arranged in a clockwise manner.
Close up that shows red and yellow embroidered flowers.
Close up that shows embroidered green lace, blue waves, fish and shells, and purple branches.
Close up showing purple and red embroidered flowers and leaves.
Close up that shows green embroidered leaves and yellow flowers.
Why I Created This Piece
Being a queer person is so much more fun once I got to know more people!
“We Are” is a piece I made after receiving supplies from an online embroidery workshop led by LGBTQ+ Asian Canadians at ACAS (Asian Community AIDs Services). Located in the heart of Toronto’s Chinatown, ACAS is a non-profit organization that has been serving the Canadian Asian LGBTQ+ and HIV+ communities for over 26 years.
During this pandemic, ACAS and its subgroup, Queer Asian Trans Youth, have been connecting us together through online workshops, performance nights, game sessions, and care packages. I am so, so thankful for them.
When encouraged by the workshop leaders to think of an affirmation to sew, I chose one that celebrates our existence. What a better way to do decorate it too, by using all the colours of the rainbow! I am incredibly grateful to my community for befriending and teaching me over the years, which is why I made “We Are”. It hangs in my room as a sign of hope that we will meet each other again.
