The LGBTQ+ community has long been a beacon of resilience, defying societal norms and overcoming adversity. Each step taken by individuals within the community has created ripples of progress, challenging the heavy seas of discrimination and inequality.
At ZIMETRA International, we are proud to stand alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, celebrating their courage, resilience, and artistic expressions. Art and Poetry have always been a powerful tool for social change, enabling individuals to express their unique experiences, emotions, and identities. In our PRIDE Art Catalog published in 2020, you will find a kaleidoscope of artistic expressions contributed by talented artists worldwide. Vibrant artworks, thought-provoking poetry, and heartfelt personal stories of the queer community, all bear witness to the transformative power in advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Each brushstroke, each verse, serves as a testament to the resilience and creativity that thrives within the community.
The journey towards equality has witnessed significant milestones. These landmarks remind us of the progress we have achieved and the distance we still need to travel. The Stonewall Riots in 1969 marked a turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, igniting a fire that continues to burn brightly today. Landmark Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality have further solidified the foundation of inclusivity. Our Pride Art Catalog serves as a time capsule, capturing these pivotal moments in history and honoring the trailblazers who fought for change.
While celebrating achievements, we must also acknowledge the challenges that persist. Discrimination, prejudice, and violence against the LGBTQ+ community are still prevalent in many parts of the world. Transgender rights, intersectionality, and the fight against conversion therapy are among the pressing issues demanding our attention. We must strive for a society where everyone can live authentically and without fear.
ZIMETRA International Magazine and our Pride Art Catalog serve as bridges connecting people across borders and cultures. The contributions of artists and poets from diverse backgrounds provide a glimpse into the shared experiences and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. As we navigate the heavy seas together, these artworks and poems weave a tapestry of unity, strength, and diversity. We celebrate the global network that nurtures inclusivity and solidarity. Together, we must amplify marginalized voices, challenge harmful stereotypes, and actively promote acceptance. The ZIMETRA International community stands as a testament to the belief that we can navigate even the heaviest seas when we do so together.
Contributors to our Pride Art Catalog published on September 2020:
7 COUNTRIES | 20 ARTWORKS | 3 PERSONAL STORIES
- Tea Plevneshi - Albania
- Geneviève Darling - Canada
- Abongsudeshna - India
- Arka Ray Chaudhuri - India
- João Vieira - Portugal
- Mariana Carvalhão Marques - Portugal
- Alex Schwarz - Russia
- Amashi De Mel - Sri Lanka
- Mahima Passela - Sri Lanka
- Prabhashana Hasthidhara - Sri Lanka
- Saakya Rajawasan - Sri Lanka
- Tharusha Mudalige - Sri Lanka
- Vasi Udurawane - Sri Lanka
- Xsavior Pettway - USA
Submit your works to our first-ever 2023 chapbook on the theme of "Headway Against Heavy Seas": https://zimetra.com/pages/chapbook-submit