“The Birth of Venus”; the rise of our goddess who spurs love, beauty, desire, sex, fertility, prosperity, and victory among us all. Standing tall and proud, she rises from the sea, naked and without shame, ready to gift us with acceptance of ourselves and those we love. Every element in Sandro Botticelli’s masterpiece holds a specific significance, stirring controversy since its creation. In this modern interpretation, the strength of that controversial voice is garnered and used to celebrate diversity, showcasing individuals from the LGBTQ+ community. Art possesses the power to provoke dialogue and ignite change, the aim here is to challenge the conventional norms and break the power of those who try to stop minorities from standing in their full glory like that of Venus.

         The heart of this project lies within the models and artists who came together to bring this piece of art to life. The collaboration contains a diverse group that represents the spirit of resilience, strength, and individuality of the queer community. Each with varying personal stories, struggles, and triumphs, through which their hope is to shed light on unique queer experiences and amplify those voices being suppressed. Justine, embodying the central figure of Venus, is a Filipina native who has called Los Angeles home for the past 8 years. Through unwavering support from her friends and family, she has learned to embrace her feminine identity and the transformations accompanying her journey, while still maintaining a love for the boy she once was. Trent and Timur bring their respective experiences of the transgender and homosexual communities to the project, their figures showcasing the love that can be shared through obstacles of gender identity, ideas of conformity, and political strife. Phillip, proud of his years of commitment to community service, fits the bill perfectly as both assistant to the main stylist and representing a pillar of the LGBTQ+ community in this photo as the drag queen who offers Venus a cloak of protection. Just as so many other drag performers who offer their strength to help the community around them. The project was rounded out with the help of the artistic styling from Victoria Bayter —wife to the photographer—and the Los Angeles-based hairstylist and educator Liz Ambrocio whose 18 years in the industry gave the professional touch to each model’s finalized look. This collaborative reimagining was spearheaded by queer Latina photographer, Ingrid Bayter, who has seen the potential for this socio-political artistic statement since her days at William Paterson University.

“The Birth of Venus” has long been revered as a masterpiece, embodying ideals of beauty and love. By creating this rebirth of the iconic artwork, the hope is to challenge societal norms, turn heads, and shift perspectives. The project seeks to illuminate the struggles, resilience, and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community in the United States, offering society a fresh perspective on the current socio-political climate. Let us champion inclusivity and embrace the diverse narratives that make up our world. Together, we can create art that changes hearts and fosters a more accepting and equal society for all.

Please take a moment to check out these amazing individuals on Instagram.

(This article was written by Evan Williams, a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, based in NYC. His creative content can be found on EvanWilliamsWrites.com where he expresses his own ideas on gay love and identity.)