Do You See Me: Look, At me Now! by Jerald J Creer

Abstract

The story is about how are we seen intersectionality as Black Gay Man, Queer, QTPOC, LGBTQ, etc.

Creator

Jerald J Creer
He/Him/His

Title

Do You See Me: Look, At me Now! by Jerald J Creer

Date

2021

Medium

Video Art

Description

The creator of the work is the actor in the video. He plays the roles of four bodies, Narrator (white T-shirt), Black Mean (red Jersey), Gay Man ( Back Hat with red rose), and Deaf Man ( Blue Dressed-shirt) The video several background scenes, Bedroom, Window Sill with Plants, Faces of Black Gay Men and women, Picture of Outdoor Pride Laser Light, and Background Art Display of Black Lives Matter(manipulated digital media), and lastly, black and white Wall.

Transcript:

Do You See Me?: Look, I Am Here!

Created and Produced By Jersld J. Creer

(3 video awnings)

They don’t see me…

I am Human.
I am a Man.
I am Black.
I am Gay.
I am Deaf.

Do you see me?

And then…

They see me... Black, as I walk the street. I strut my confidence to only confuse those that look at me. I am here on earth to be great... Yeah! I strut... looking at those who stare at me secretly want me, bold and free like me... keep looking I'm here.. Black, Gay, and Deaf!""

Black!
Gay!
Deaf!

And then…

I own my truth daily! As Black Gay Deaf, I am strong and focused... blessed to be me! Some question if I am worthy or should be accepted. Sometimes it is an act of defense that I show up and be me.

And then….

Oh! Wait! But, I still rise! Marked as worthless by people who look like me but don't like the way I live.

And...
Then I get up knowing I might encounter hate and rejection...I say to myself... who are you to people is not as important as who you are to me.... I hold my head up ready for the world to see all of me.. BLACK! GAY! DEAF! POWERFUL! ""

Deaf Powerful!
Deaf Powerful!
Deaf Powerful!

And then…

They see me...
A Man who is Black, Gay, and Deaf.. but, they treat me as less than. My identities only give me greater strength to fight, conquer and win each battle. Maybe those who can not fully accept me should stay away... they might get in the way of my God given greatness.

I STAND and I RISE!

I take care of my health -
Mentally, Spiritually, Physically.

I am intelligent and creative!
I am open minded and fluent!

I embody diversity with my race, orientation, and my ability.

Black!
Gay!
Deaf!

I am a man who is Black Gay and Deaf.
Condone everyone who makes you feel like you aren’t good enough.

I am everything completely as a Human. Do you see me?

Do you see me?
Do you see me now?
Do you clearly see me now?

Citation

Jerald J Creer and He/Him/His, “Do You See Me: Look, At me Now! by Jerald J Creer,” RIT/NTID Dyer Arts Center , accessed March 28, 2024, https://dyerartscenter.omeka.net/items/show/537.