We’re honored to feature original Pride Month artwork by our guest artist, Mica Viacrucis (they/them). Mica’s piece pays tribute to the secret language of flowers—a tradition rooted in queer history, where blooms carried coded messages at times when LGBTQ+ folks couldn’t safely be out.
Their work brings these symbols to life in the colors of the Pride flag, reclaiming and celebrating flowers that once held stigma. We’re grateful to Mica for sharing their vision, and for reminding us that Pride is about both remembrance and joy. Mica’s artist statement is below:
Certain species of flowers were used to communicate in coded language when queer communities weren’t able to be open about their identities. Some floral words were used as homophobic and transphobic slurs (like “pansy”), but have since been reclaimed and changed of their derogatory meanings.
In rainbow order like the pride flag, I incorporated roses (symbol for gay men and/or Trans remembrance), poppies (signifying those fallen in acts of violence against the queer community and honoring LGBTQ+ veterans), lilies (symbol for lesbians), daisies, buttercups, pansies (reclaimed derogatory terms), trillium (bisexuality), carnations (specifically green as a symbol for gay love), hydrangeas (strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ community), lavender (color of empowerment due to its association with the Stonewall Riots), and violets (lesbian love).
Can one buy a copy of this beautiful print?