Historic Pride Button Collection & Artist Statement
“While we celebrate today, it is important to remember those who fought for our rights, and that the fight is far from over.”
-Ambrose (Corvid Curiosity), Collection Designer
This year The SHFS is commemorating Pride Month with a set of custom pride buttons, designed by the talented Ambrose at Corvid Curiosity Design! Each unique piece is inspired by the legacy of pride pins and various queer symbols throughout history. These pins will be available at the SHFS office. Having a local artist compose these with such care is an honour for us, and he has been so kind as to provide some detailed background on each design for us, as follows.
Artist Statement
This collection of buttons is a love letter to those who came before us. Each design is a direct call out to queer culture and activism throughout history. While we celebrate today, it is important to remember those who fought for our rights, and that the fight is far from over. Pride goes beyond the month of June, and is much more than dancing and parades. It is taking care of those most vulnerable in our community, uplifting each other and fighting against oppression together.
I was inspired by queer punk pins from the 70s-90s in terms of both design style and messaging, intentionally using vintage style fonts and graphics and leaning into a more weathered ‘DIY’ look. It was important to me that the graphics were vintage, while also including historically significant queer references and symbolism.
“Pride Was Built Brick by Brick”
The text, shapes and colours used in this design are a direct reference to the Stonewall Riots, which played an integral role in what Pride is known as today. Without the work set forward by queer activists in the past, we would not be where we are today. It is also a reminder that it is our responsibility to continue building towards liberation in honour of our past and for a better future.
“Trans* Women Pioneered Pride”
Right now, the trans* community, but especially trans* women and femmes are being targeted and villainized simply for existing. Between rising conservatism in our day-to-day lives and transmisogyny within queer spaces, trans* women are often held to impossible standards from all sides. My goal was to express that trans* women have always been at the forefront of queer activism, and they deserve to be recognized for it. As for visuals, I was inspired by the transformative nature of spring, and the symbolism of florals and new growth after a period of darkness.
“Thank an Elder Queer Today!”
This button is inspired by some of the incredible elder queer people I have had the privilege of knowing. We see so many more queer people today because of the hard work previous generations have put forward for us. Elder queer people are the pillars of our community, and deserve so much more than just a thank you. The bear is a symbol for queer specific terminology and its importance in the community.
“We Have Always Been Here”
A statement that is often heard in conservative rhetoric is that being queer is a new ‘fad’. This is incorrect and a result of colonization and euro-centric ideals. There are so many recorded instances of queer identities existing and being honoured throughout history and within different cultures. The inclusion of lavender on this button is a reference to flagging, which is what queer people have used for decades to find each other and build community. It is also a reference to ‘Lavender Menace’ and lesbian feminism, which is an essential part of queer liberation.
About the Artist
Ambrose (Corvid Curiosity) is a trans masculine settler residing in Treaty Four Territory. He specializes in explicitly queer design work, both commercially and personally. He loves bright colour combinations, retro-futurism and bold typography. When he’s not designing, you can find him thrifting, junk journaling or watching movies at home with his fiancee and two cats. Check out his work on Instagram (@corvidcuriosity.design) and online (corvidcuriositydesign.ca).