The last several years have been, for lack of character allowance, fuckedt. 

Yet with all of the devastation, isolation, death, grief, and information overload we’ve experienced as a single humanity and as queer humans – there have been several linings of silver, gold, and even glamor. 

Our eyes are open. Our hearts are gaping. We are learning to hold grief and joy together simultaneously.

These collective experiences have allowed for healing, growth, and increased self-awareness. It has allowed for action from those who were previously immobilized. It has allowed for little and big moments of joy, during long periods of despair. It has shaped how, and for what, we celebrate. Our collective and individual experiences are embedded in the art we create.

During the death of the old world, and the birth of the new, queer excellence radiates. 

In a recent interview with Kat Sass (they/them) – a remarkable human being, performance artist, singer, community builder (do I need to go on?) – we explored the meaning of queer excellence, the unique qualities of queer art, and the incredible strength and resilience of the queer community as we: heal, inspire, build, and push humanity forward.

ON QUEER EXCELLENCE.

For Kat, queer excellence encompasses a multitude of qualities that make the community truly exceptional. Growing up in a Christian cult background, Kat was able to understand the deeper truth behind the words of the adults around them. This understanding fostered the welcoming spirit, curiosity, and compassion that are at the core of queer excellence. 

It is through these qualities that queer individuals: see others before they can even see themselves, manifest elders for wisdom, and create a collective bond that empowers everyone.

ON THE ESSENCE OF QUEER ART.

Queer art holds a special place in the creative landscape, as it reflects the unique experiences and perspectives of queer individuals. Kat highlights the qualities that make queer-coded art stand out: humor, truth, and glamor. However, these are just a few of the elements that infuse queer art with its distinctive essence. Further, it's important to remember that queer art is not limited to galleries or performances. Our everyday lives are a canvas for queer art, where even the simplest acts, like making a beautiful omelet, can be a masterpiece. Attention to detail, and a special focus on authenticity and proof, are also key components that make queer art truly dazzling.

ON THIS ART PIECE.

The theme of Kat’s piece is loosely based on the 4 horsemen of the apocalypse, and it’s about moving through grief. They mean to discuss making peace with their queerness through art, and how Cancel Culture is one of the greatest disservices we can do to each other. Cancel Culture separates us from one another, and fractures our collective voice of progress – helping to pitch us back into chaos. 

Cancel Culture forces us to be at war with each other, and removes our ability to harness our collective power to remove the greater forces that are literally burning our world down, and racing us to extinction. Eat the rich. Hold each other. 

“My only enemies are the billionaires. The enemy of the enemy is my friend. We should only strike up, not out and down.“

ON COMMUNITY. JUST A CO-OPTED CAPITALIST BUZZWORD?

The term "community" has been diluted, sometimes used as a veneer to project inclusivity while failing to acknowledge the gritty, imperfect efforts required for genuine support and connection. 

“When I see ‘community’ slapped on a post, I tend to just scroll on by.”

The term "community" encompasses the complex interplay of belonging, shared identity, and collective experience. It is a dynamic construct that evolves with its members' interactions and shared realities. Each individual has the power to choose not only actions, but also reactions, to shape their shared reality. Community is co-constructed.

For some, queer spaces provide the means to feel in community, and sometimes for the first time ever—a place where the earnest, honest, awkward Kat Sass’s of the world are embraced. It's about being who you are, mess and all, and being told, "You're welcome here."

Yet, the idea of a totally safe space is a myth. Within the very same queer spaces that offer joy and acceptance – queer people experience sexual assault, harassment, racism, substance abuse, etc. This duality illuminates the inherent messiness of all human collectives, where the lofty ideal of a safe community grapples with the reality of unexamined traumas and complexities. 

These days, every business advertises a community, and yet charges a price to participate. The skepticism toward the term reflects our weariness of superficial labels. For 99 USD a month, you receive a community. So, can you simply show up and buy into “community”? No. 

According to Kat Sass, real community is about both authentic engagement, and education. True community building is an active and value-driven search for kindred cuties who are willing to navigate the pressures of a polarized society (i.e. Cancel Culture) by working together, despite our imperfections, towards mutual upliftment.

“Without community, there is no liberation...but community must not mean a shedding of our differences, nor the pathetic pretense that these differences do not exist.” – Audrey Lorde.

ON POLARIZATION AND CANCEL CULTURE.

Kat Sass points out that Cancel Culture pressures us not only to have the correct opinion on any and all given topics, but to also have that “right” opinion at exactly the right time. 

“The larger problem is that we have all been trained to police each other. And in this policing, it has silenced many. It has kicked people out of places to jump in and help out of fear. When you start to force people to behave a certain way in public (and on social media) by policing, it sounds a lot like fascism. It strikes fear in the heart and prevents people from contributing new, helpful things.”

In the context of Cancel Culture – self-care and caring for those around us is essential, as is a deep, honest introspection. Recognizing and embracing our authentic selves allows us to navigate and to contribute to even the most flawed communities. It’s simple, but it’s not easy.

Kat Sass confronts the stark reality of Cancel Culture—the isolation, the black-and-white judgments that leave no room for nuance, branding individuals as wholly 'accepted' or 'rejected.' They point out the insidious nature of this social policing, equating it to inflicting "mini deaths" on the ostracized, with profound and sometimes tragic consequences like suicide.

In the face of such binary judgments, Kat Sass challenges us to consider our responsibilities to each other, not just the fun parts, but also when the music is off and the times are hard.

The question they pose is critical: in the midst of Cancel Culture, do we feel free to be our true and authentic selves? It's a call for communities to move beyond superficial acceptance, and engage with the challenging, and yet essential, work of fostering genuine belonging. Do we feel like we can authentically contribute to our communities?

“I’m not trying to take us to task on our behavior on the internet or in public spaces. This is me saying that we need to talk and listen to each other in a real way. I promise we are not different.”

PUSHING HUMANITY FORWARD.

As we navigate the complexities of the world, queer individuals are playing a vital role in “dragging humanity's ass forward”, as Kat facetiously puts it. The courage, resilience, and determination of the queer community are forces that push boundaries, challenge norms, and create a more inclusive society. By embracing their true selves and fearlessly navigating the world – queer individuals inspire others and give them the courage to do the same.

Collaboration for Kat isn't about uniformity of thought, but a shared commitment to human dignity and the prevention of abuse or harassment. Their support for others transcends differences, focusing on common causes that uplift and support. The community Kat cherishes is one forged from shared values, and mutual respect – community as a sanctuary discovered on their journey towards healing.

They believe in the serendipitous power of the universe to bring people together, an optimistic view that has been rewarded by the meaningful connections they've made. 

For Kat, every new person who engages with the spirit of queerness enriches the tapestry of the community, weaving a more vibrant and inclusive future. The message is clear: openness and inclusivity aren't just ideals, but very real practical pathways to a better and more connected world.

“The tools of white supremacy and capitalism serve to separate us from each other and keep each other poor and oppressed. Collective activity is the greatest power.”

In a world that effectively feels fucked because of the vast “isms” we experience – queer excellence shines as a beacon of hope, healing, and inspiration. Through our own healing, we collectively embody a welcoming spirit, curiosity, and compassion. Queer individuals create a sense of unity and support that has the ability to empower everyone. Queer art reflects those vibrant experiences and perspectives of the community. As we celebrate the power of queer individuals in pushing humanity forward – let us embrace their courage, resilience, and their unwavering commitment to authenticity. Together, we are creating a future where everyone can thrive, regardless of identity or background.

Credits:

Artist: Kat Sass
Story: Sister Trish
Photographer & Retoucher: Lauren McNalis
Photo Assist: Richard Graham 
Styling and Art Direction: Kat Sass
Hair, Wig, and Makeup: Kat Sass
Masks created by : Dustin Yoder
Famine and Death looks conceived and built by Gidget Von Addams
War look conceived and built by Discord Addams and Gidget Von Addams
Antichrist look by Ken Marks II
Nail Technician & Artist: Jackie Sinvil
Art Assist: Edna D Mascara
BTS: Weed Rich 
Studio : FD Photo Studios 

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