Webmail 26/08/2021, 21:18
https://********/roxman@rosa-kwir.com/INBOX/1/58 Page 1 of 3
Re: Rosa Kwir with Colette
26 August 2021 | 15:36 | 23 KB
From: Rainbow Support Service <*****@********>
To: roxman@rosa-kwir.com
Hi Roxman,
Thanks for the reminder, as always 🙂 Apologies for the delay.
Firstly Would you like to tell me more about why you chose to be photographed in this environment?
My home study/library is a dream-come true and the most important room in my home as it houses my books, and mementos. The books say more about me than any written words as from them you’ll learn of my interests, my studies, my training, and my beliefs. I wanted you to see my world.
Also I have had the pleasure of meeting you for the first time during a session at Rainbow Support service, MGRM, (which if I am not mistaken you’ve helped create 8 years ago). Your work has helped many LGBTQI+ persons and their families, including myself =)
I have had the opportunity to share with you quite a few conversations since I’ve met you a couple months ago, and what always strikes me is how passionate you are towards the work you do, would you be able to share with me what drives you to do this work and what it means to you?
My passion and motivation to create supportive spaces for the LGBTIQ Community and their families comes from the challenges I myself and my family went through in my teenage years, leading to my coming out. I wished that there was a professional that I could trust to speak to without the fear of judgement and homophobia and transphobia. A little while later, I started studying Social Work and that’s when I realised that I could give back to the community through my future professional role, as I learnt to be a social work professional, my sense of agency for social change grew. At the same time, I was already a committee member of MGRM and for a good number of years, I formed part of the Social Welfare Team which included helping professionals who volunteered their time to support members of the community. My sense of purpose is to grow both professionally and personally, as well as provide the supportive space for those who need it to enhance their wellbeing.
How do you identify your gender and sexuality to yourself or to other people?
I identify as non-binary and queer, however name and pronouns are not important for me, as I am good with myself, and that’s what’s important to me.
Do you think that it is important for us to challenge, and change aspects of masculinity that are problematic?
I think masculinity is as diverse as any other gender characteristic, however I think that it is not masculinity that is problematic, but the stereotypes that people attach to it that are mostly problematic. Perhaps moving away from gender-based stereotypes is the key to destroy such problematic and limiting thinking.
what does masculinity mean to you?
Perhaps masculinity is the opposite of what I have been expected to be for most of my life. It is about being me sometimes, and other times it’s nothing about me.
and lastly what is the story behind the object you’ve decided to donate to the physical archive?
When I was 16, I remember being with a group of friends and we used to meet almost daily in Valletta during the Summer months, and one day we went window shopping and I met with the O’Neil cap that caught my eye. For me, the cap represented both the cool aspect of the brand, but also a masculine characteristic that I could associate myself with. Those type of caps were very fashionable in those days – the late 90s, and many pop stars were seen wearing them. I bought it and spent the Summer wearing it, as it became part of my favourite objects pretty fast. Throughout the years, I’ve worn it in a variety of occasions, including pride marches in Malta and abroad, and I used to put several pins on it that represent my beliefs, including the one that is still attached to it.
Colette
On Sun, Aug 8, 2021 at 12:05 PM <roxman@rosa-kwir.com> wrote:
Hey Colette thank you for welcoming me to your home the other day and accepting to be part of this project.
Here are a couple of questions that I’d like to ask you, feel free to answer or not answer any of the following questions below
Firstly Would you like to tell me more about why you chose to be photographed in this environment?
Also I have had the pleasure of meeting you for the first time during a session at Rainbow Support service, MGRM, (which if I am not mistaken you’ve helped create 8 years ago). Your work has helped many LGBTQI+ persons and their families, including myself =) I have had the opportunity to share with you quite a few conversations since I’ve met you a couple months ago, and what always strikes me is how passionate you are towards the work you do, would you be able to share with me what drives you to do this work and what it means to you?
How do you identify your gender and sexuality to yourself or to other people?
Do you think that it is important for us to challenge, and change aspects of masculinity that are problematic?
what does masculinity mean to you?
and lastly what is the story behind the object you’ve decided to donate to the physical archive?
Thank you so. much
Roxman xx
