Thammahatai Lertwachara (They/Them), Art, 2023

Eugene, OR on June 2022
Topics:

            Artist Statement:I felt empowered in being able to speak about this story because it used to be something that I had difficulty in talking about and sharing with others. While listening, I hope others will be inspired to find a space that allows them to feel comfortable and accepted as who they are. I also think it's important for student voices to be heard within an academic institution as students are the foundation of a diverse and creative community.
          
            Thammahatai Lertwachara:My name is Thammahatai Lertwachara.
          
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            My pronouns are They/Them.
          
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            I am a junior student - art major.
          
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            My question is: What role does community play in your identity?
          
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            I am a nonbinary person.
          
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            I grew up in a binary-based community.
          
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            My language required me to declare my sex,
          
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            whether if I'm a female or male.
          
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            High school required us to wear skirt or pants, have
          
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            long hair or short hair, sit with your leg together,
          
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            or it's okay to be separate, but I never feel
          
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            like I'm a girl or a boy.
          
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            And when people ask me if you like pink
          
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            or blue, I always say I like both.
          
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            And sometimes I don't like any of them.
          
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            So it's really hard for me to not be one because
          
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            it feels like I am always forced to choose to be one.
          
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            And it's very hard for me to know who
          
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            I am find my space and my existence.
          
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            But then one day I came across the word "nonbinary",
          
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            and I feel like there's a space for me to access.
          
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            And then I can be comfortable
          
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            with myself being neither one.
          
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