“The way we interpret our society and the world around us is all up to us, we fight for freedom, strength, equality, as well as many other topics. My concepts deal with my personal struggle with the socially constructed idea of beauty, social norms and what is considered socially accepted. I struggle to fight for justice for those who have confronted the idea that they were not good enough to fit into what we as a society decide the perfect person may be, whether it be size, race, color, shape and thoughts. In my work I want to provoke the viewer into thinking, if what is being portrayed in front of them is “OK”, such as the fact that humans dwindle away in size just to fit the socially constructed idea of beauty as well as hide who they are in terms of race or sexual preference just to avoid being ostracized. My work has been a personal journey for me in terms of who I am today as a social advocate promoting ‘Be who you are because there is no one else like YOU.’”– LEE Bueno
LEE Bueno (he/they) is a Queer Trans Male Artist/Activist . Art is his reason for living and has been part of his life for as long as he can remember. He received his BA in Art Education and Studio Art from Humboldt State University. Navigating his own personal journey as a Trans person has been very prominent in his artwork. He uses art to tell stories and to bring knowledge to issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ and POC community. Working within issues of acceptance of body, identity, and self love as well raising awareness of injustices surrounding marginalized voices. He strives to make the world a safer and better place. @murcielagonaranja