Sexual minorities in Georgia often carry memories of prejudice, bullying and assault by strangers and colleagues, family and friends. These memories create a fear that prompts many LGBT Georgians to hide their true identities, including even from each other.

Gay poet and performance artist Andro Dadiani, 25, is one of those Georgians. He uses a pseudonym, masks and costumes to conceal his real identity.

Dadiani says that his persona was created from memories of a violent clash on May 17, 2013, when hundreds of people, led by Georgian Orthodox priests, attacked individuals commemorating the International Day against Homophobia in downtown Tbilisi.

Dadiani often uses such memories to create narratives for his poetry and performances. Bitterness about social prejudice against him as a gay man, fear of revealing his true identity and a sense of alienation from those who are the closest to him are recurring themes in his poetry and performances.

This short documentary presents Dadiani’s memories of homophobia and how they have influenced his life and work.