i am not gay is an explorative research design book that visually interrogates my queer existence. The narrative focuses on facing my bias and identity through the LGBTQ+ community across time.
CHALLENGE
The project is an expansion of my "i am not _____" series, where I aim to deconstruct different topics through my lens and reconstruct their understanding through heavy research in a design journal-esk InDesign document. Each series project will be represented through an individualized visual system — a cohesive and playful blend of typographic identity and image.
Scope of Work
Print Design: Booklet/Zine
Research and Definition of Narrative
Visual Language Exploration
Typography Exploration
This project is still a work in progress. Below will showcase highlights of current progress.
What does it mean to be gay? Am I not gay enough for the LGBTQ+ community? Why do I feel like I do not fit in?
Direction
While being part of the community, I always felt distant from other members. The only extent of my queerness is my identity and drag shows. Initially, I knew I wanted to dive in and face my understanding of the community. Through general research about "gay" definitions, I came across a collection of words — experience, history, and identity. This team of three became the keywords of the project and the direction of research, criticism, and reflection about what it means to be gay.
