Pansy

Pansy, is a reclamation of a slur once weaponized against me. Through the act of weaving the word pansy, I confront and transform its meaning, turning a symbol of shame into one of empowerment. The process was deliberately unpolished—I learned to weave as I created, embodying a dual journey: learning the craft of weaving and reimagining my relationship with a word steeped in personal and societal history. Each thread represents growth, resistance, and the dismantling of internalized toxic masculinity.

Textiles, long associated with femininity, are central to this exploration. For years, societal norms made this medium feel inaccessible to me. By embracing it, I reclaim not just the slur but also my connection to a creative practice that nurtures healing and self-expansion. Through this work, I explore and celebrate the feminine aspects of myself that I had been conditioned to suppress.

Like a tapestry hung for display, this piece represents the parts of myself I no longer hide. It is a declaration of transformation and a reminder that vulnerability can be a source of strength.