@jasonrodgersphoto

Menon: Representation is literally life-saving for me and the communities I am a part of. Existing in this world as a visibly gender-nonconforming person can be isolating — you often feel like you're the only one who looks like you. Whenever I see people like me in media I feel a little bit less alone, like I'm part of something greater than myself. This gives me the stamina to keep on living in my truth, no matter what.

These days there are so many stories being told about our communities: that we are a burden, a threat, delusional. Now more than ever it is so important that we counter this with visibility on our own terms, telling our own stories and letting people know the reality of our situation.

Velour: I think that visibility also brings people together, making our worlds larger and louder. Just in my experience as a drag queen, I've been able to connect with queer people around the world, and to see them connecting with each other over a shared love of drag! Through that kind of visibility, and with the structure of social media, queer folks are able to provide resources and support, share information, even offer makeshift group therapy at times! It's a pretty powerful thing.