Vanessa Leroy

Take My Hand

(2021 — present)

Take My Hand is an exploration of queer love and relationships that
blossom despite existing in an oppressive world. I interviewed romantic
partners on their motives, desires, and hopes when it came to relationships.
We collaborated on portraiture that represented both their individuality
and partnership. I sought to visualize how the relationships that queer
people share uplift each other and offer stability in uncertain times. I
wanted to explore how queer people were defining love for themselves and
within their relationships. What I discovered was an illustration of the
power that both love and care have to help cultivate self-acceptance.