Ludi Leiva

We’re celebrating the people who cleared paths for human rights for the current generation who will in turn continue to clear paths for the next generation. We’re celebrating those who came out as children, those who came out as adults, and those who will never feel safe coming out because of their families, religion, government, or any reason at all. We’re celebrating those who have been a beacon of light and hope for others, and those who have needed to seek out those lights. Whether you identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, asexual, pansexual, gender non-conforming or anywhere else on the limitless sexuality and gender spectrums, you deserve to be celebrated. No matter how you identify, no matter how out and open (or not) you are, you are valid. You are appreciated. You are loved. You are part of this #TumblrPride community right here on Tumblr.

One of the more endearing, necessary functions of a healthy community is the support it offers—and gosh, the queer community on Tumblr is certainly supportive and deserves to be highlighted. That’s why we gathered a handful of prominent LGBTQ+ artists and asked them what kind of advice they’ve received, and what they’d like to pass on to others.

What is the most meaningful advice you’ve ever received?

What advice would you give a young person navigating their queer identity today?

We’re celebrating Pride month on Tumblr with a series of interviews from celebrities and artists, asking them about expression, identity, and art. Today’s dose of queer Pride comes from writer and illustrator Ludi Leiva (@ludileiva).

How do you express yourself on a day-to-day basis?

By starting each morning with three pages of free writing. By giving myself permission to doodle just because. Not for anyone, just for myself and I’m learning the idea that my worth isn’t rooted in how much money I make.

What is the relationship between your art and your identity?

My identity and my art are inextricably linked…you can’t really divorce one from the other. My art and my creative process is a way for me to learn more about myself; To tease apart my identity and to heal.

What advice would you give your younger self about exploring your identity?

Not worry about pleasing people all the time, not worry about societal expectations, and to listen to her intuition. If I had learned that sooner, I think I would have had a different life.