Growing up, I constantly fought against the feeling of repression put on me by my own religion. Why allow someone to dictate how I view myself? The rhetoric often spewed did more harm to my adolescence than healing.

Religion was often seen as a safe haven in my household but as I grew, I realized that acceptance within myself wouldn't be as easy as my two older cishet sisters. Religion kept my parents in a homophobic mindset.

They eventually grew to accept and love regardless of my sexuality, but the inner distress they inflicted will always be a part of me even if I don't bring it to light. I find comfort in religious pieces and art so I incorporate it often in my artwork. It is definitely an attempt on my part to redefine these symbols for myself to fit my views and ideologies.