Ang R. Bennett

Continuing our partnership with TransTech Social, they reached out to their network to identify an artist who would create the inaugural SNMVC Membership card. We are proud to introduce that artist: Ang Bennett (Instagram, TikTok)

“In this painting, I reflect on the resiliency, strength, and courage of those who sparked a revolution on June 28, 1969. The faceless portraits represented are an amalgamation of trans and nonbinary people of color who have fought and continue to fight for representation and visibility. The flowers - Verbascum, Gladiolus, Plum Blossoms, and Borage - are an ode to those who paved the way: Marsha P. Johnson. Storme DeLarverie. Sylvia Rivera. Each flower/plant was chosen to symbolize that same resiliency, strength, and courage. Overall, this painting honors our fight to exist as queer and trans people, while celebrating how far our community has come in the push for visibility.

Being selected for this momentous task is truly an honor. I believe that the painting I created for the inaugural membership card truly highlights my practice, as my work examines Black and queer identities - identities that I hold - placing emphasis on joy and interconnectedness. Oftentimes, as marginalized people, it's easy to get caught up in the hardships and the continuous fight to be seen and treated with respect and dignity. We tend to not believe that we can have and feel joy. I'm here to say, ‘Yes, you absolutely can. And you shouldn't feel guilty about it when you have it. Enjoy it. But, also, never stop fighting.’”