This curation of queer illustrators will fill your feed with imagery of diverse bodies, romance, fun and happiness as well as messages that raise awareness about queer life and rights. So get ready to hit that “follow” button…
Art, in all its forms, has always been a powerful tool in the 2SLGBTQI+ community. It builds, strengthens and shapes the queer narrative by conveying messages to help dismantle stereotypes and stigmas, raise awareness about community issues and life as well as provide visibility.
Many 2SLGBTQI+ visual artists have taken to social media to post their art, bringing queer perspectives into the mainstream. Social platforms, specifically Instagram, have made it accessible for users to share artwork across a variety of networks, bringing messages and a depiction of queer life worldwide. These Instagram profiles not only become digital galleries, but a community chat room of sorts – just look at the comment sections to see the impact.
Who can you follow? Whose art should you be re-posting and sending to others? There are too many artists to name, but below is a list of 10 illustrators from around the world that will get you started. If you have a time limit on your Instagram app for that New Year’s resolution, delete it! You’re going on a joyful multicolour journey that will have you scrolling.
Ashton Attzs (United Kingdom)
Follow: @attzs_
UK-based artist Ashton Attzs (they/she) sees their art as “a vehicle to empower and celebrate the everyday person.” Whether a digital illustration or painting, the vibrant colours are sure to spark happiness and celebration of LGBTQ+ love and identity, while featuring messages of unity, advocacy and mental health.
Ambivert Geek (Philippines)
Follow: @ambivert.geek
Known as Ambivert Geek (he/him), this Filipino illustrator started sharing his work in 2018 to explore and understand his sexuality. Celebrating his fifth anniversary, he shared how his illustrations have helped him. “I was a recluse and reserved when I started erotic art which eventually helped me understand and become confident with my own sexuality…” His artwork is described as sensual, romantic and erotic, using warm tones and hues of purple, pink, blue and orange to create a personal and safe feeling.
Jaime Hayde (Spain)
Follow: @jamie_hayde_illustration
Bold colours, shapes and lines are how you can identify a piece by Jaime Hayde (he/him). Hayde’s work showcases diverse bodies and love, capturing the playful, and cheeky, side of gay romance. His work is also a vehicle for education, touching upon topics like testicular cancer, anal sex aftercare and sexual health.
Jake Tobin Garret (Canada)
Follow: @JakeTobinDraws
Jake Tobin Garret (he/him) is a Toronto based cartoonist and illustrator. His work is usually in black and white, with the occasional subtle pops of colour. Whether it’s capturing scenes related to queer spaces and life in Canada or the facades of storefronts and iconic signs, his aim is to “capture a sense of place and whimsy, expressing the familiar in unexpected ways.” Check out his collections on Hanlan’s Point and Lost Queer Spaces in Toronto.
Jenifer Prince (Brazil)
Follow: @jeniferrprince
Jenifer Prince (she/her) places lesbian and Sapphic storytelling in a vintage inspired aesthetic, which at the time wouldn’t have embraced these stories – at least not openly. The Brazilian artist shows intimacy in the styles of mid-century comic, pinup, retro and noir film with pop culture references embedded. Many of her posts are slideshows that either magnify certain details or use animation to bring the images to life.
Nick Ursiak (United States of America)
Follow: @nickursiak
Based in Brooklyn, Nick Ursiak (he/him) depicts queer and geeky things, with a touch of architectural and interior design. Some of his work explores voyeurism, inviting you to watch intimate moments as the men in his illustrations explore their bodies and others. His “Window” series lets us peer through stylized windows decorated with brick arches or panel shutters as male subjects undress or have fun. His “Gay Selfies” series depicts scenarios we’ve all likely experienced, setting them in retro apartments or among plants.
Pureb (Netherlands)
Follow: @purebpureb
Known as Pureb (he/him), this artist has been passionate about art from a young age, using it as an escape and source of discovery. His inspiration comes from various dreams, encounters with “exceptional men” and his ongoing quest for connection. He fuses neutral colours with fiery hues along with bold shapes to showcase male relationships. Beyond providing visual pleasure, he hopes his art will initiate conversations, encouraging others to explore new paths and celebrate the diversity of the human experience.
Shanée Benjamin (United States of America)
Follow: @shaneebenjamin
Shanée Benjamin (she/her) was born in Brooklyn and has over a decade of design experience. She has dedicated herself to building community, telling stories, normalizing queer life and depticing Black joy through bold colours. She’s set to release her first digital colouring book in 2024.
Sindre (Norway)
Follow: @sindorman
If you’re a Drag Race fan, you may be familiar with Sindre’s (he/him) pixel videos, which fuse the Pokémon and Drag Race worlds. He recreates classic Pokémon scenes from the Gameboy Color era, pairing drag queens with Pokémon related to their personalities or looks. He has featured Drag Race stars from across the globe including Canada’s very own Icesis Couture, Priyanka, Denim and Jimbo.
Theodoor Grimes (United States of America)
Follow: @ggggrimes
Presenting art under the name ggggrimes (pronounced grimes), Theodoor Grimes (they/he) is a black digital artist with the goal of bringing queer people of colour, specifically trans people, into the mainstream. Their images showcase a sense of freedom to love and be oneself. You’ll see smiles, passion and confidence on the faces of those featured with details and textures such as tattoos, body hair, surgery scars and more. Beyond sharing illustrations, Grimes uses Instagram to document their transition journey.
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