Pride Spotlight: Elliot McCune
We have another special treat. We chatted with Elliot McCune (@wormboyman), a brilliant 18-year old illustrator based in Pennsylvania. Elliot loves experimenting with his line-art, backgrounds, characters, and colors and he uses his love of cartoons and comics to express himself. Let’s go!
Pronouns: he/him/his or xe/xim/xir
How did you become an illustrator? How did you start your blog?
I have always loved making comics, but I started to really feel inspired to become an illustrator through the support of close friends and family. My parents aren’t/weren’t very supportive growing up, and only after leaving my home was I able to really explore the field. I originally started the blog to archive my ideas and little doodles, and soon started to get a bit of a following!
How has Tumblr allowed you to explore your identity?
Through Tumblr, I was able to connect with people who expressed their gender and identity in a way I had never seen in person. I was able to see myself and my identity more clearly, and felt more comfortable experimenting with labels and pronouns. I came out online before I came out in real life, and I think the boost I got from the community helped me build the courage to come out. My parents do not support my identity, and I have had a lot of difficulty in being kicked out of my home. But, with some folks I connected with through Tumblr and trans siblings in real life, I felt more supported and could start my life again from the ground up.
What has been your biggest accomplishment as an artist?
I’m not very far in my career as an artist, as I’m still pretty young and just starting out. But, I think getting into college to study art was a big step. My previous plan for my future was to be an engineer, which I would have hated. After I left home, I learned that I didn’t get accepted into the college I was planning on going to for many years. After many months, I was able to find a college with a good art program in my area. It was a big leap for me, because my parents never supported art careers for any of their kids. To be able to change my career path to something I really enjoy, and to go to college for it is an amazing feeling.
How can we continue to support trans artists?
Reblog their art! While likes are appreciated, reblogs spread their art across the platform, and help them gain some popularity and more opportunities. I also enjoy getting nice comments on my art through my asks and in the replies! If the artists have merchandise or do commissions, consider supporting them by taking part in them (or at least boost their posts about things that can help them make money).
With this being the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall rebellion, what does Pride mean to you?
The love that I have seen in the LGBTQ+ community is unparalleled. In most spaces, I feel like my existence is mostly just tolerated or tokenized. It’s only been within the community that I not only feel like my identity is tolerated or noticed, but celebrated! I recently have been able to surround myself with members of the community, and I’ve never felt more respected and loved in my life. Pride keeps this community alive and thriving, and that means so much to me.
You have such great resileince, Elliot. You’re going to be a great illustrator and comic artist. We’re excited for you. Tumblr, who are some other LGBTQIA+ artists we should know about? Use the #tumblrpride to share.
This interview has been condensed for clarity.
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