Series Statement
Jasmine Lee, a young and fervent photographer from Singapore, embarks on a project titled "Queer Pixels: The Digital Generation’s Fight". It tells the tale of the LGBTQ+ youth worldwide who are coming of age in a digital era. She illuminates how technology, for better or worse, shapes their fight for rights and acceptance, particularly on social media platforms.
Jasmine captures a unique spectrum of life: from bittersweet coming out narratives told over video calls, to the excitement of online pride parades during lockdowns; from cyberbullying incidents that push some to the brink, to global online communities that pull them back. These stories are not told in grand rallies or courtrooms, but within the confines of screens and headphones, underlit by the glow of notifications.
This intimate exploration of queer identity through the digital lens is framed within two overlapping perspectives. First, she looks at the tension between personal narratives and public personas as young LGBTQ+ individuals navigate their identities online. Second, she explores how these digital interactions impact their perception of rights, acceptance, and their place within society. The common thread is the quiet resilience of each subject, negotiating their space in a world both more connected and more divided than ever.
Image Captions
The Reveal A close-up shot of a teenage boy in a dimly lit room. His face is half-illuminated by the soft glow of a phone screen, the other half shrouded in shadows. The reflection in his teary eyes shows a sent message reading, "I'm gay."
The Parade An overhead shot of a bedroom converted into a sea of rainbow colors. The subject, draped in a Pride flag, dances in front of a laptop broadcasting a virtual Pride parade, her vibrant solitude contrasting with the raucous digital crowd.
The Bully A raw image depicting a young man staring at his computer screen, the harsh blue light illuminating his distraught face. Reflected in his glasses, a torrent of hate comments floods his social media post, demonstrating the cruelty lurking in the digital sphere.
The Safe Haven A warmly lit shot of a girl curled up in a cozy corner, deeply engrossed in an animated conversation on her phone. She's laughing, her eyes brimming with a sense of belonging, a glimpse into the digital sanctuary where she finds acceptance.
The Protest A stark black and white image of a smartphone held high, broadcasting a livestream of an online protest against LGBTQ+ rights violation. In the backdrop, a rallying crowd of protest signs and emojis populate the screen, bringing the virtual fight into the physical world.
The Connection A beautiful image of two screens side-by-side, each displaying half of a same-sex couple's face. They're sharing a moment of affection, their hands seemingly touching through the screens. It’s
