Gamma Alpha Upsilon Apparel is a line of t-shirts geared towards gay men that are designed to mimic “frockets,” the typical uniform of the common fraternity boy, which usually feature a pocket on the front of the shirt with a fraternity insignia. Stylistically, the shirts employ bright colors that are commonly found on the clothing of the aforementioned frat boys (pastels, pinks/blues/peach.) These palettes are commonly associated with conventional femininity, thus creating a merger between two seemingly detached groups.G.A.Y tees come with bubbly, clean, inviting graphics that mimic cartoons to create a compelling experience for the viewer: the graphics themselves presented in a seemingly innocent manner–showcase inappropriate/pornographic imagery that forces viewers to ponder the relationship between fraternities–which are undeniably homophobic yet inherently homoerotic spaces–and that of gay men and porn. Each tee features a different trope found in both fraternity-themed pornography as well as typical hazing methods performed in actual fraternity groups. The shirts warp the perception of fraternity culture through the eye of the fem gay man.
photography by: suzanne sferrazza
Each G.A.Y. shirt represents a different fraternity hazing ritual–branding, paddling, the cum cracker, the initiation ritual, and excessive drinking. They were designed to parody the standard t-shirts worn by the typical frat boy and combine aspects of reality fraternity-themed pornography.
Each of my models was given a frat name, a bio and backstory. The G.A.Y lookbook acts as an aesthetic guide as well as a theoretical rulebook for pledges of the frat.
HissyFitness is a new kind of fitness app crafted exclusively for gay men. The app focuses on creating an entertaining, aesthetically pleasing and fun experience for the user–as a majority of fitness apps tend to fall flat on the fun factor–while they embark on their journey to achieving their dream body. HissyFitness is a commentary on gay gym culture, the hypersexualization of the gay community and the categorical nature of gay men in relation to body types and sexual attraction. The running feature on the app shows users where gay friendly destinations are located on their route, a playful nod to the sexualization of gay spaces. Cosmetic stores, organic markets, shopping malls, and coffee shops are among the most popular rest stops.
Like the perfume I wear, most of the boys I encounter are sweet and sexy at first impression, but often dry down and disappear too fast. Each repellent perfume was inspired by one of my fifteen negative physical experiences with past partners. The piece is meant to be inviting, alluring, visually safe and harmless from afar, leaving the viewer to realize just how seedy and malicious it actually is when they encounter it, taking after the behavior of each boy the scents are inspired by.
