At Angela Monaco Jewelry, we believe that love is love, and every person deserves to live their fairytale, whatever that may look like, and with whomever they chose. We are dedicated to standing with the LGBTQIA+ community, not just during Pride Month, but always.
As we welcome Pride Month, it’s important we support our LGBTQIA+ community and highlight organizations that bring awareness and promote inclusivity. One cause that’s close to our hearts is Philly Queer Life Drawing, and we’ll be donating $5 from every online order through the end of June to support their mission.
Led by founders Brielle DuBose and De'von Downes, Philly Queer Life Drawing is a project that celebrates trans, fat, disabled, Black and Brown bodies while supporting the queer community. The organization builds shoot sets for models so they can experience still life art through different themes and in return, queer artists have an affordable space where they can build community.
✨ Origin & Mission
What inspired you to start Philly Queer Life Drawing, and How would you describe the deeper purpose behind your project?
"De’von and I have spent much time in Art Academia spaces and both enjoyed figure drawing the most. What we didn’t like was the lack of body diversity and representation of models that is the status quo in these spaces. We sought to make a space where we can show how beautiful bodies like ours are and through the loving eyes of artists. It’s also a space open to all levels of skill and allies as well. Creating safe spaces where joy and creativity can grow while putting money into the hands of queer folks is at the heart of Philly Queer Life Drawing."
What do you want people to better know/understand about reclaiming space for trans, fat, disabled, Black, and Brown bodies in art?
"That our bodies are not “alternative beauty” or anything other than powerful, divine, and abundant. Representation is so important and it helps us see our own divinity. We’re taught our bodies are bad or something to be fixed. Being able to draw someone that looks like you and see how radiant they are and see the curves and angles of their form. The experience helps to find that beauty and power within ourselves."
🎨 Art as Liberation
Can you share how it feel for both models and artists during a PQ Life Drawing session?
"It’s a vibe! We have good music, a relaxed atmosphere, and a few laughs. We make a set for the model to sit, stand, or lay on and seating at tables or easels for participants to draw or paint. We start when the model and participants are settled we’ll start with some gesture drawings and slowly work our way up to 5, 10, and 20 minute poses. It’s highly collaborative. The models ask if the pose is okay and the drawers will help them back into a position if they take a break. People can make music requests. We have supplies if people need them. We mostly just try to make it fun!"
Do you have a favorite story or moment from one of your events?
"There’s two. One time a model sneezed and the entire room said ‘bless you’ and then we all laughed about it. It seems small but it’s just a testament to the kind cutie pies that come to the events. Also we did a larger event Pride of 2024 inside the Fleisher sanctuary which is a truly beautiful space. It was called Heavenly Bodies and heavily used religious themes as the backdrop. It was really beautiful to see bodily autonomy and queerness uplifted in this sense instead of being demonized. We also hand made all of the props for that event which feels good to see come together. Also, anytime someone makes a friend or brings a date to an event my heart melts."
🌈 Community Impact
Why is creating accessible and affirming spaces so critical right now?
"Creating safe third spaces is imperative to making it through these times. If we don’t have spaces to experience joy we can forget what we’re fighting to keep in the first place. Joy is an important part of resistance. Refusing to be subdued, not losing ourselves, and using creativity and happiness is punk as fuck. And sometimes you need to take a break from The Horrors(™) of the world outside and let your brain relax. One of the best compliments someone has given about PhillyQLD is that it was the first time they turned their brain off in months. That is very high praise in my opinion. This is all in preparation to continue to fight injustice and speak up for those who cannot. There are many roles in the resistance, this is just ours."
What are some misconceptions people still have about the LGBTQIA+ community you’d love to dispel?
"That it is somehow unnatural or deviant. Queerness is so beautiful and it has saved mine, and many others lives."
What can allies do beyond Pride Month to support queer creatives and LGBTQIA people in general?
"Please challenge your homophobic and transphobic family and friends. Stand up for us. Protect us. Please seek out and donate money directly to mutual aid instead of huge charity organizations. Your dollars can make a huge difference in the lives of real queer people right now."
💖 Forward Vision
What are you dreaming up next for PQ Life Drawing?
I’d love to do another large scale event like Heavenly Bodies where we make a big to-do but De’von just graduated and I’m in the process of getting my MSW. So, that might have to wait until next Pride. I think we’re dreaming about expanding to other cities soon. We’re already in Camden and other parts of South Jersey. We’re talking to contacts about potential sessions in D.C. and Pittsburgh. I’d love to see this format of Life Drawing wherever it can go!
How can people get involved or donate to support your work?
Tell us about your upcoming events? We have a couple more Pride events this month! We have local Drag King modeling for us on June 8th at the William Way LGBT Community Center. On June 22nd we’ll be back at Tattooed Mom’s. Both events are on Sundays from 1pm to 4pm. To follow along for the rest of our events please follow us on Instagram @phillyqueerlifedrawing. If you would like to get involved or donate money you can reach out to us via email at PhillyQLD@gmail.com.
Learn more about Philly Queer Life Drawing and their upcoming Pride Month events below!