Claiming Space is a self published zine which aims provide insight into the LGBTQ+ community of New York City. I interviewed a group of friends within the community and highlighted their responses slong with their illustration.

Alex

“Nonconforming to me means that I can express my emotions freely without judgement of how society says what I am. To the outside world my exterior looks like of a grown Dominican man, but my interior is filled with feminine energy; something that has been apart of me since birth.”

Jonathan

“A safe space for me would have to be something built on love, somewhere we can make mistakes and be who we want without the fear of violence or judgement. Somewhere we can uplift each other versus tear each other down. I try to advocate and support in every way so the next generation can hopefully have that safe space or something close to it.” 

Aiden

“ I feel as a society we have progressed a bit but we are far from “inclusive”. When seeing everything happening around the country when it comes to trans rights this to me shows we are not fully inclusive yet.”

Ting

“I feel that the society can definitely do more to help educate people to embrace their true self. To learn to find their potential and believe in themselves.

At the same time, I believe that we can’t be waiting around for others to make us feel a certain way because it is up to you to take control of your life. You have the choice to choose the friends who truly support you or choose to be around people who make you feel inferior.”