In 2017, I was deeply moved by the tragic story of Giovanni Melton, a 14-year-old gay teenager who was shot and killed by his own father, Wendell Melton—allegedly because of his son’s sexual orientation. Giovanni’s foster mother recalled the father saying he would rather have a dead son than a gay one.
This heartbreaking incident reflects a broader reality: even today, members of the LGBTQ community face violence, discrimination, and rejection simply for being who they are. With Giovanni’s story as my inspiration, I created a photographic fashion essay for queer youth—a visual expression of both struggle and resilience. It serves as a message of hope, encouraging them to embrace their identity with pride and reminding them they are not alone.
