[*Read the 'info' to learn about the project; Click on photos and album 'Todd's Story' or 'Niki's Story' to view the cartoon strips in their proper order; And, get involved in these ways: (1) Like the page, (2) Share on a friend's page who may need this project's solidarity, (3) Add to your page's favorites, and (4) Tell us your story.]

By physically displacing ourselves in search of meaning, diverse experiences, understanding and acceptance, LGBTQQI folks simultaneously allow the physical proof of difference and the related shame felt by our families to be exported away from our hometowns and communities ... the places in which we've grown up. While our absence is functional for our survival, departure puts distance between us and the family nucleus where messaging happens; by leaving it is possible for our stories to be written out of the family narrative. 

With facebook and other web 2.0 social media, the terms of anonymity have shifted. Heretofore, going-far-away was mutually beneficial to both the wanderlusting queer kid and her/his family that made living at home intolerable with the weight of shame, ignoring, stunting, passing, splitting and all the mental gymnastics required to live and feel safe. With the kid gone (off in New York or another big city), the family could erase or obfuscate their kid’s queer identity through vagueness, silence, controlled communications, and planned visits (if at all).

Previously, leaving home for the prospect of acceptance and new experience was an opportunity for families to disappear and censor their queer children. Now, in a McLuhanesque shift of the mediascape, people (queer and straight alike) want to be seen online – to externalize – a virtual simulacrum of their lifestyle … and enjoy the democratic agency of being somewhat exhibitionist. 

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My friend Niki and I wanted to do a project together and after several meetings, we realized that both of us had Facebook stories of family members asking us not to be 'out' online. While we characterize this experiment as a site and time-specific media art project, we also seek to interrupt the phenomenon of being rejected due to ones orientation and gender identity expressed through social media. We think that we are not alone in this experience, and seek to shine a spotlight on this form of web 2.0 harassment. We also hope to build solidarity with fellow LGBTQQI folks during a bittersweet time of the year for many of us... the holiday season! Oh yeah, did I mention that Niki is a visual artist and kick-ass graphic novelist. So, we decided to time-release a comic strip depicting our personal stories once a week between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm going first and then Niki the following week. We are looking for at least two more stories to tell, and since she's a gal and I'm a guy - both white North Americans - we'd like to fill out the remaining two weeks with some different voices. Whether we pick yours to feature or not, we invite you to tell it right here in the message thread. Thanks for sharing ... in advance.

Todd & Niki