To be soft is not to be weak. To be soft is to be resilient.

Hyper-visibility can mean so many things for trans folks and oftentimes the threat of harm lingers. We understand the implications of our existence and of being seen. For many of us the truth remains: be vigilant of the world around you.

I long to explore ways that we can collectively soften the world around us. Considering how we can move forward from hurt with joy and softness, how we can shift our understanding of visibility through ambiguity. With not a question, but the fact of our existence. I remain firm; trans existence is not up for debate.

Created in conversation with Ris Wong’s piece titled “Trans Lives Are Sacred” this work is a testament to softness as resilience and coexistence as a practice. For my Queer and Trans community, friends, family and passerbyers, I hope that this work holds you. Even if just for a brief moment.

Read about Ris Wong’s billboard here.

Ardyn Gibbs’ mural was created in response to many instances of transphobic graffiti and vandalism targeting Ris Wong’s billboard. Read the Inc’s statement here, and the Hamilton Spectator’s article here.

Ardyn Gibbs is a Queer and Trans, Settler-Indigenous (Mohawk) Artist, Designer and Arts Worker located on the territories of the Haudenosaunee, Anishnaabe, and the Missisaugas of the Credit First Nation otherwise known as Hamilton, Ontario. Using digital new media technologies Ardyn’s work explores the themes of Queer Futurity, Digital Dreaming and Visibility/Legibility of Queer bodies in public spaces. Ardyn is passionate about collective dreaming, placekeeping and fostering meaningful connections. Their work is constantly shifting, adapting and growing with the world around them. https://ardyngibbs.ca/