- Tyris Winter
- Tegan & Sara
Meet Tyris Winter, a Queer, Black and Nonbinary poet that empowers fellow creatives with their joy and freedom of identity.
Meet Tyris Winter, a Queer, Black and Nonbinary poet that empowers fellow creatives with their joy and freedom of identity.
HOW DOES YOUR IDENTITY INFORM YOUR CREATIVE PRACTICE?
“I would say my identity is my art and my creative practices. When I create I speak from a Queer, Black, and Nonbinary experience. Rather my art explicitly showcases it, it will be in the fibers of my creative practice.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BEST ASPECT OF THE QUEER COMMUNITY?
“The best aspect of the Queer community is our unwavering expression. So many Queer people are artists because so many of us create ourselves into a vision we don’t see around us. We have to create a community and family around us that we didn’t have, myself included.”
HOW DOES THE QUEER COMMUNITY EMPOWER YOU AND WHERE DO YOU SEE UNITY?
“I’m so grateful for my community, online and off. The mutual love and praise from my community makes me feel limitless.”
DO YOU FEEL THAT BEING PART OF A COMMUNITY HELPS YOU?
“Being part of a collective with similar experiences to yours, makes the world feel less isolating.”
What are the most pressing issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community that you're passionate about?
“There are so many issues we face as Queer identities. From anti-Gay legislation to everyday discrimination, crimes of hate and even conflicts in our households that often lead to houselessness. It’s difficult to pinpoint the most pressing. However, I do wish there was more awareness about protecting Trans lives. Especially Black Trans Women, who are the most targeted. A page that I follow @forthegworls on instagram, provides ways to support Black Trans people with housing and affirmative surgeries.”
What are your greatest wishes for the next genERATION of LGBTQIA+ youth?
“A wish that I am currently closing my eyes and manifesting for the Queer babies of tomorrow is yes an even more accepting world. However, I wish them ease in finding the tools in each other and in themselves to be empowered.”
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Meet Tegan & Sara Quin, a Queer, Canadian indie pop duo that are dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ women and girls.
Meet Tegan & Sara Quin, a Queer, Canadian indie pop duo that are dedicated to improving the lives of LGBTQIA+ women and girls.
How does the Tegan & Sara Foundation empower the LGBTQIA+ community?
“TSF empowers and advocates for the community by raising awareness and funds through our flagship programming, like our annual grant-making to LGBTQIA+ summer camps, and support of grassroots organizations. Both programs are supported by Vans, so a huge thank you!”
What part of the FOUNDATION are you most proud of?
“Especially through the pandemic, we’re proud to have found the balance in locating small community organizations focusing on crucial but often ignored issues and continuing to be a reliable source of support year after year.”
HOW DOES THE QUEER COMMUNITY EMPOWER YOU BOTH?
“The hardest part of those early days of coming out was a fear of being alone, alienated, and othered. When you're in that place, there's a feeling that no one understands what you're going through. Having a community undoes that notion. Knowing that others have had the same fears and experiences creates a unity that makes you feel safe and seen.”
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BE YOURSELF AMONGST COMMUNITY?
“Although we are united as a community, we are not homogenous. Within our community are Trans and Nonbinary people, People of Color, People with Disabilities. We don't all look the same or experience the same privileges. When we own that, we set the foundation for an honest shot at actual equality, where “LGBTQIA+” isn't diluted to just one idea of a person.”
What are the most pressing LGBTQIA+ issues that you both feel passionately about?
“Underserved populations like LGBTQIA+ youth are still reeling from the pandemic, and their mental health is the calling card. Our partners are telling us that the need for mental health resources is growing. We’re really passionate about providing some relief for those kids.”
WHAT’S THE BEST ASPECT OF THE QUEER COMMUNITY?
“For all the othering and oppression that the Queer community has experienced, being marginalized has also brought the LGBTQIA+ community together to create, share and celebrate their own cultures and traditions.”
Do you feel that being part of the queer community helps?
“We are so grateful that the Queer community embraced and validated us from the beginning of our careers. We were just teenagers when we started out playing music, and we were able to find not just our careers, but also our identities in the community.”
How do you both empower others to be their true selves?
“It's important to us to voice our support for the communities we stand behind. We're always pushing for a more just world, and we recognize the privilege we hold. We never want to settle for a substandard of equality.”
What are your greatest wishes for the next gen of LGBTQIA+ youth?
“We know that coming out is a journey, and we only encourage it in conditions that are safe for each individual youth — but we also really hope to be part of creating a world that actively fosters and advocates for those safe, supportive conditions.”
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Meet Tyris Winter, a Queer, Black and Nonbinary poet that empowers fellow creatives with their joy and freedom of identity.
Tyris Winter
As an artist, Tyris believes in creating a vision for the world we don't see around us. “My favorite aspect of us rainbow baebes is our daring nature to express and create.” For Tyris's collection, they designed a print inspired by their childhood. “When I was a kid, I used to stare at paint textures on the walls in my bedroom and see a multitude of people connected. The many different beings hugging in the print symbolizes how we're all intertwined and infinite whether we see it or not (lol, get it? 'Cause it's camo print?).” Read more about Tyris and the importance of creative expression in the LGBTQIA+ community.
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Meet Kae Tempest, a Queer poet, artist, and playwright from the London.
Kae Tempest
Kae Tempest is a Queer poet, musical artist, author, and playwright from London, England. Vans collaborated with Kae to create a unique collection that acts as a love letter to the rugged, abstract coastline of Britain. The images of sunrise, sunset, cliff, and sea are physical manifestations for Kae of change and persistence. ‘How many yous have you been?’ is a recognition of the many selves we each contain.
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Meet Tegan & Sara Quin, a Queer, philanthropic, Canadian indie pop duo.
Tegan & Sara Quin
Musicians Tegan and Sara proudly make space for Queer youth. “Having a community is what gives you the confidence to move through the world as the most honest version of yourself.” It’s a big reason why they started the Tegan and Sara Foundation and why they continue to stay involved in their community.
The Vans Checkerboard Fund
For Pride and ongoing LGBTQIA+ support, Vans continues to support the Tegan & Sara Foundation to fund programs like their annual LGBTQIA+ summer camp and community grants that often go unrecognized by major funding institutions.
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everyone deserves the chance to be their authentic selves, chase their dreams and see their inspiration realized.
everyone deserves the chance to be their authentic selves, chase their dreams and see their inspiration realized.
Creativity is essential. It's the thread that connects us to unlock self-discovery and community.
The Vans Checkerboard Fund
For Pride and ongoing LGBTQIA+ support, Vans continues to support the Tegan & Sara Foundation to fund programs like their annual LGBTQIA+ summer camp and community grants that often go unrecognized by major funding institutions.
Learn More