Born This Way: Not A Fan Of Church, Football Or Taylor Swift
Being A Queer Creative On "Big Game" Sunday
I’m more of a Sunday newspaper gay than a Sunday services gay.
I’m more of a SuperSoul Sunday gay than a “Big Game” gay.
I’m more of a Tracy Chapman gay than a Taylor Swift gay.
Growing up agnostic in a family obsessed with church was…fun.
Growing up gay in a country obsessed with football was…funner.
Growing up artistic in a world obsessed with pop stars was…funnest.
At least some of the football players were cute. A few still are.
So as the world gears up for “Big Game” Sunday, I find myself in a unique position as a queer agnostic artist who isn’t a fan of Church, Football, or Taylor Swift.
While the rest of the world is doing their own Sister Act sequel, cheering on their favorite teams, and/or competing for Swiftie MVP, my Sunday-As-Fun-Day will be spent appreciating queer “religious” art, playing creatively in the studio, and revisiting a few of my fave music artists.
ICONS & “LOSING MY RELIGION” ART
One aspect of my artistic journey that often surprises others is my deep appreciation for religious icons. Regardless of my agnostic stance, the power and beauty found in religious paintings and sculptures captivate me. I gravitate to them in galleries and museums like a moth to a flame. In real life, as part of Collide Press, I’ve collaborated on a few “iconic” works myself.
CREATIVE FOOTBALL APPRECIATION
While I may not be a football fan, I often appreciate the players and cheerleaders. Who doesn’t love beefcake and bombshells? Here are some a few of our favorite portrayals of linebacker princes and pom pom princesses.
FINDING HARMONY IN MUSICAL DIVERSITY
While Taylor Swift might be on your playlist, my musical tastes lean towards more soulful singer-songwriters. From dance divas to reggae renegades, my playlist is a motley mix of artistic innovation and individuality. This Big Game Sunday, as pop anthems echo from living room speakers across the nation, I'll be dancing to a different tune, embracing the eclectic sounds that resonate with my queer soul.
Collide Press Jams Playlist On Spotify
For me, being a queer agnostic artist on “Big Game” Sunday is about finding a balance between personal beliefs, artistic preferences, and popular culture.
Big Game Sunday may be synonymous with football and chart-topping hits, but for a queer agnostic artist like me, it's an opportunity to celebrate my unique perspective.
As I pretend there’s no other game today but creativity, in the sanctuary of my studio, surrounded by my icons and music, I encourage others to embrace the diversity that makes us who we are.
After all, the beauty of art lies in its ability to transcend boundaries and connect us on a deeper level, even on a day as culturally significant as the Big Game Sunday.
Thanks for reading!
Clint
P.S. If you just want to see the commercials, here you go.
P.P.S. On this day in 2011, Lady Gaga released “Born This Way.”
NEWS + VIEWS
THE ARTIST HOLDING VALUABLE ART HOSTAGE TO PROTECT JULIAN ASSANGE (THE NEW YORKER)
ALICIA KEYS AND SWIZZ BEATZ WANT YOU TO SEE THE 'GIANTS' OF ART IN THEIR COLLECTION (NPR)
‘ART THIEF’ POSES QUESTIONS OF OWNERSHIP, CULTURAL HERITAGE (THE CURRENT GA)
AS A LOBBYIST, HE ADDED FLAIR TO HIS ENVELOPES. NOW THEY’RE HIS CANVAS. (TWINCITIES.COM/PIONEER PRESS)
UK PUBLIC ART DATABASE WILL DIGITALLY RECORD MORE THAN 5,000 MURALS, INCLUDING WORKS BY BANKSY (ARTNEWS)
BIRTHDAYS
Lynn Goldsmith (born 1948)
American Artist, Director & PhotographeMary Quant (1934-2023)
British Fashion DesignerSheryl Crow (born 1962)
American Singer-SongwriterSidney Sheldon (1917-2007)
American Writer & TV ProducerTammy Baldwin (born 1962)
American Politician & LawyerTina Louise (born 1934)
American ActressThomas Edison (1847-1931)
American Inventor & BusinessmanWilliam Henry Fox Talbot (1800-1877)
English Scientist & Photography Pioneer
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