@ggggrimes is the Artist Behind the QTPOC Love Scenes that We’ve Been Yearning for

Plant Gays

__underdog__ (x+c): What is an underdog?: What is an underdog?

*Gabriella: I think an underdog is just someone who’s been underestimated because of societal oppression. And that oppression makes people want to root for them more, especially up against people who have always had more privilege.

__underdog__: Are you an artist? Why or why not~

Gabriella: Yes, I’m an artist, as a hobby and a profession! I’ve created art most days over the past three years, and I’ve put a lot of time and energy into improving my skills. Art means a lot to me, and it’s my livelihood.

__underdog__: Are you part of a “scene”? What is the scene and how do you view it?Gabriella: I think the closest thing to a scene I’m in is the Bronx art scene. I was raised in the Bronx until I was 17, and I just moved back here this year. I have friends here who are active in the art community. I would also consider myself part of like, the instagram queer artist scene, which I love and is full of really awesome people who I get to call friends. But like any other scene, it’s a struggle having multiple intersecting identities, so a lot of people get treated unfairly or have horrible engagement because of instagram’s oppressive algorithms.

__underdog__: What do you believe in?

Gabriella: I believe in the love that queer people of color have for each other. I think it’s beautiful and it’s gotten me through terrible times in my life.

__underdog__: Is there a philosophy you apply to art making or life in general?

Gabriella: Subvert people’s expectations, but not entirely. My work is so focused on QTPOC, and often we’re put into boxes that aren’t entirely accurate. The reality is that we’re all a combination of stereotypes that ring true to our individual lives, AND surprising things that make us unique. There’s nothing wrong with having stereotypical behaviors or attributes--what’s wrong is how we’re treated for it.

Park Date

__underdog__: Where does your work come from? What drives you and your practice?

Gabriella: My work comes from the struggle of growing up Black, queer, alternative, and confused. I didn’t see anyone in the media who looked and behaved like me, unless they were being bullied. I’ve always wanted to show young queer people of color that they’re beautiful and their lives can be happy and meaningful.

__underdog__: What challenges do you face and how do you deal with them?

Gabriella: The main challenge I face is getting treated well as a Black queer artist. I have people being rude to me and talking down to me more often than I’d like. When this happens, aside from sticking up for myself, I talk to my support system. I really try not to internalize how other people treat me based on their own prejudices. I can continue to make myself a better person, even if other people haven’t chosen the path of self-improvement or unlearning.

__underdog__: Please share any biographical or identity information you’d like us to know.

Gabriella: I’m an artist who’s Black, non-binary, and gay. I paint queer people of color so that people who never see themselves can finally see cool illustrations of people who look like them. I’m inspired by queers of color every single day of my life, and they’ve shown me how beautiful life can be for me. It’s wonderful that I can give even a little bit of that beauty back to the queer world.

__underdog__: Is your work important? Explain?

Gabriella: I’d like to think my work is important, and I’ve had other people tell me my work is important. It’s an incredible feeling when people message me to let me know that an illustration looks like them and their partner, or a couple they know, or a person they know. It means so much to me when someone tells me that my art has helped them figure out their gender identity or sexuality. My work is important because it carries meaning for other people who consume it.

Kiss Club

underdog__: How would you describe your work to someone who can’t perceive it with the main sense it applies to.

Gabriella: Aside from my illustrations, I have a tendency to be a literal person. As much as I’d like to think I could come up with flowery, beautiful imagery, I think I’d describe my work in a way. One of my recent illustrations, for example, is entitled Kiss Club, and my description for it on instagram is “a Black femme enby getting a smooch on their cheek from their Asian transmasc boyfriend.”

__underdog__: CATS OR DOGS?!?!

Gabriella: I don’t have a preference. I think they’re both fabulous animals. But I just became a mother to my girlfriend’s beautiful cat, and I love her to pieces. I hope I can have a dog in the future too, but a cat’s behavior is the most compatible with my current lifestyle!

*Gabriella’s name is typed here in green to help some readers distinguish between their responses and our questions. If you have suggestions on how we can increase the accessibility of our "questionings" or any content on our website, please email us at: underdogmagazining@gmail.com