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What are the joys of being queer? Jer Dee conveys this feeling through the new pride collection in collaboration with Nike Asia
"I wanted to imagine what it would feel like if queer people simply exist as they are," Filipino graphic artist and illustrator Jer Dee says. "What would that look like? If they are allowed to live just like everyone else, I want to show how nice that would be."
Read more: Pride Month: Meet 3 Changemakers Championing Equality and Diversity in Asia
This is the second time Dee has worked with the athletic brand, the first being a collection focused on dance music. This time, the artist has created a collection that he holds close to his heart.
"It's a very special project for me, and I am thankful to Nike for giving me the opportunity to express a message that's very dear to me and my community," adds the artist.
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All four designs, which were hand-drawn and then digitised by Dee, are his interpretation of the meaning behind LGBTQ+ Pride and the experience of "coming out" after lockdowns brought about by the pandemic.
For Dee, the nurturing spirit of the LGBTQ+ community has made these precarious times bearable.
See also: 5 LGBTQ+ Groups You Can Support This Pride Month 2022
"I lived mostly alone during the height of the pandemic. I heard stories of queer people who experienced the same thing. Others, meanwhile, were stuck with their families, and some of them are not very accepting. Either scenario could affect anyone's mental well-being," he shares.
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The collection highlights the feelings of joy, liberation, and lightness. Dee expresses this through bright artworks celebrating the community's inviting and caring side.
"[For this collection], I want to show them that the hard part is over, at least for now. We can now come out, be with friends, and experience moments of happiness."
The collection is available in Manila and other parts of Asia.
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Christine Andas is a features writer and the style lead of Tatler Philippines. She mostly covers style-related content but enjoys writing about space, sneakers, and her favourite stars. She acquired a master's degree in Creative Writing at the University of Santo Tomas and has written young adult short stories which can be read online.
