BLOOM
IN FULL BLOOM
Once upon a time, in the vibrant yet often challenging landscape of life, there existed a garden. This wasn't any ordinary garden; it was a metaphorical representation of the LGBTQIA+ community's journey, a story of blooming from a seed to a splendid flower.
In the earliest days of this garden, there were seeds buried beneath the soil, unseen yet full of potential. These seeds symbolized individuals at the onset of their journeys, holding within them a core truth about their identities that was yet to emerge. They were on the cusp of discovery, at the very beginning of understanding their true selves.
As time went by, these seeds began to experience the stirrings of germination. This was the stage of self-acceptance, a phase where confusion started giving way to clarity. Here, the individuals began to embrace their sexual orientation or gender identity, often after a period of denial or introspection. It was a time of inner turmoil yet immense growth, as they accepted the truth within and prepared to break through the surface.
Then came the growth phase, where the seedlings pushed through the hard soil into the light. This stage was about building confidence and finding a supportive community. It involved exploring and asserting their identities, sometimes cautiously, other times boldly. They sought knowledge, understanding, and allies. With each new leaf, they grew stronger, more visible, and more confident.
The most spectacular phase was the blooming. Here, the plants in our metaphorical garden reached full expression, with each individual openly embracing and expressing their identity. This wasn't just a declaration to the world; it was a celebration of their true selves. In full bloom, they weren't merely acknowledging who they were; they were reveling in it, displaying their colors with pride and joy.
However, the story doesn't end with blooming. In this garden, blooming is part of an ongoing journey. Even after reaching full bloom, the plants continued to grow and evolve. They became advocates, mentors, and friends, helping others on their paths and enriching the garden with their experiences and insights. This garden was ever-changing, ever-growing, a testament to the resilience, diversity, and beauty of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In this garden, every flower had its own unique hue, shape, and fragrance, yet all contributed to the splendor of the whole. This garden was a celebration of diversity, a reminder that each journey, though fraught with challenges, was valid and beautiful. It stood as a symbol of hope, a narrative of triumph over adversity, and a testament to the power of self-acceptance and community support.
And so, the garden of self continued to flourish, with every blooming flower adding to its vibrant tapestry, telling a story of courage, love, and the enduring spirit of the LGBTQIA+ community.
This story, though a mere glimpse into the vast and varied experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals, aims to inspire and uplift. It's a tribute to every person who has embarked on this journey of self-discovery and blooming, a reminder that in the garden of life, every flower has its place and its own unique beauty.
BLOOM
JayJay Revlon @JayJayRevlon
Kari @Kari__Serrano
Lupe @lupeguerragarcia
Beltran @BeltranH
Trish @YourSisterTrish
Barry Brandon @thequeerindigo
Creative Direction @TheQueerIndigo + @HandsJuan
Video + Editing Juan Hands @HandsJuan