She/Her
« If I had to use one word to describe the black queer experience in Italy it would be invisible. We black people are neither seen nor truly considered as an integral part of the social fabric here. The comments of “oh how well you speak Italian” aimed at people like me who grew up here is a daily confirmation of that. Adding an extra minority to that, in being queer, just cements the severity of the entire experience, because you’re pretty much twice as susceptible to bad experiences.
Being black and queer in Italy also means being ready to build something from scratch, and that includes your identity. Personally I have never had great difficulties in accepting who I am or what I like, and with equal ease I am usually able to communicate it to others. The real struggle I've experienced is having to deal with discussing this with relatives. It’s no secret that for black people the experience of coming out or having a conversation that goes beyond heterosexuality is complicated as a result of cultural and religious barriers.
Regardless of this I’ve always felt great joy in being myself, which is why I choose to consciously do so every day. Being black and bisexual weren't things I chose, but these parts of me, have given me the strength to confront the world and its wickedness head first, which comes from the ability to put oneself before the judgement of others. » - @loredane_tshilombo
Creative Direction by Jordan Anderson
Photography by Silvia Rosi
Photo Assistant Gabriele Cialdella
Styling by Thais Montessori Brandao
Hair by Latoya Amsdorf
Makeup by Manuel Montanari
Set Design by Davide Ladini
Movement Direction by Macia Del Prete
Production by nss factory