The inspiration

In collaboration with my Puerto Rican graphic designer friend, Sabdiel, I wanted to emphasize the importance of creating art with a meaningful story behind it. I art-directed the project and ensured the piece remained cohesive with the visual identity of the 2025 Atlanta Pride branding. Sabdiel brought the initial inspiration, and together we developed the concept and sketches. I then executed and refined the final design, bringing our shared vision to life.

This piece was inspired by the Puerto Rican mural “Las Tres Razas”, an artistic theme that symbolizes the island’s heritage through the blending of the Taino, Spanish, and African roots of Puerto Rico. The theme celebrates the diversity and unity of the Puerto Rican people, whose culture is a fusion of indigenous influences. 

In that same spirit, we aimed to spotlight underrepresented groups, flags, and individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community who have helped shape a more inclusive and diverse space. We featured the Lesbian, Transgender, and Bear flags, alongside a range of gender expressions and skin tones, all illustrated in a modern stained glass style. This visual approach complements the aesthetic of this year’s Rooted in Resistance Atlanta Pride logo, which I designed.

Community is the heartbeat of the LGBTQIA+ experience, offering a sense of belonging, safety, and shared understanding. For many, it provides a space to express identity freely, access support, and celebrate diversity without fear of judgment. In the face of societal challenges and discrimination, LGBTQIA+ communities foster resilience, advocacy, and empowerment, helping individuals feel seen, heard, and valued. This collective strength not only uplifts individuals but also drives progress toward greater equality and inclusion, deepens our connections, and reminds us that we are all Connected by Community.