I never knew if being Queer would I have to “come out of the closet”, what I always knew from a very young age was that the challenges I had to face would be many and that I had to be strong not to fall or look back. Since I was little, I was out of bounds between being a woman and being a man, because my parents always let me decide for myself who I wanted to be.
“I never felt the need to classify”
I never managed to imagine myself in a certain way, on the contrary I always felt identified with things as both a boy and a girl, and I never felt the need to classify. I was just the one who wanted to see and dress according to my tastes, perspectives and my creativity.
Within a conservative, sexist and misogynistic society like the Colombian one, it’s not easy to have the freedom to be who you want to be. Many people attacked me, made fun of me and tried to silence me. And I have to say, it wasn’t easy in the first place, especially as a teenager.
After finding the path of art, I found in it the perfect tool to empower myself and show the world that I was no longer afraid to be. Thus it was that on my way on earth, I was getting to know myself more and more, and seeing in human diversity, hundreds of possibilities to be.
I personally believe that everyone in the world should be Queer, understanding that there are many possibilities to be and to be realized in life, regardless of our gender, sexuality, tastes, and more.
Each one is built according to its own context and interests and it would be impossible to imagine that in a world as great as the one we live in, there is only one way to be. That is why I always try as an artist, to encourage others through my art, and show them that there are a thousand ways to be and that all are valid, all are beautiful and deserve to be respected.
“To all those who ever tried to extinguish me, they have made me more willing to fight for myself and others”
I am infinitely grateful to my family and friends, who have always supported me in every one of my decisions and have accompanied me throughout my life, respecting and loving who I am. To all those who ever tried to extinguish me, with their offenses and insults, I also thank them, because they have made me more willing to fight for myself and others, making me a strong, empowered and exceptional human being.
All that remains for me to say in this brief personal story is that I wish you all strength, love and infinite freedom, to appreciate, respect and love all lifestyles, equal or different to yours, so that each remaining day of life, Love reigns and not war, equality and not abuse. To all a Queer embrace full of love.
Maria Montoya
Edited by Ash O'Keeffe
Queer Artist
