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As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, artist Amee Wilson recognized that there was room for improvement when talking about queer representation. Wanting to be a part of filling in the gap, Amee creates funny and relatable illustrations about queer chameleons to change the surrounding stereotypes.

In a past interview with Bored Panda, the artist revealed how her Instagram page came about. Wilson explained that she got an idea after receiving a lot of attention on the illustrations where a chameleon was transforming into the colors of the pride flag. That inspired her to do a series about queer identity and sexuality.

If you would like to see more of Amee's works here at Bored Panda, see part 1.

More info: Instagram | patreon.com | tiktok.com | lonelykidsclub.com

Bored Panda got in touch with the artist to learn more about Amee and her comics nowadays.

We asked her whether anything has changed since the last post. Amee shared: "The style of the chameleons has begun to develop their own characters and more of a quirky feel. That's been pretty fun to develop over time. It happened quite naturally as I just drew them over and over again, and they took on a life of their own. I've also begun to do more research into topics that I think people would like to learn about - so now I have spent a little more time reading about new parts of the community and working out how to make them easy and fun to read about!"

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Artists put a lot of their thoughts and hard work into anything they create. But the exchange happens both ways. If the artist puts a lot of effort into their work, in return, they get knowledge, better understanding, and skills.

Amee shared how these comics influenced her. "Sometimes the comics can be quite cathartic - and I use them to deal with things I'm frustrated with or feeling at the time. But more than anything else, learning about other people's identities to create some of my more educational content has taught me SO many things I didn't know about the community. So I feel like I've been learning as much as the audience!"

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We were wondering what Amee wants the most for the readers to take from her comics. She shared: "while there are so many different queer experiences, and journeys, we're not as alone as we feel. While we're all so different, we actually still have a lot in common with each other! And also that these comics are just a snapshot of some elements of LGBTQ+ life, it's so much broader than some of the topics I cover, and also continually changing!"

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Having so many fun comics already made, we were wondering if there was one comic in particular that stands out for Amee herself. She shared: "probably Hell of a Party. It's a comment I get a lot online from trolls ('Gay people are going to hell'), and it gave me the thought... well... to make light of it a little... if we're all going down there, it means it'd probably be pretty fun to be all there together!"

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If you enjoy Amee's comics, there is some good news ahead! Amee is going to release a book called: "Queer Chameleon and Friends" that will launch upcoming February. The book is published by Penguin Random House Australia and is now available for pre-order.

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"It's been a wild year! In the last couple of months, I was actually approached by Penguin to create a book full of new comics!! It's such a wild idea, but the fact that it means there'll be a real, tangible thing that could hopefully reach more people and make them feel seen and visible brings me so much joy! It's out next year, and I am so excited and nervous for people to see the new work."

And lastly, Amee added: "I always love to hear suggestions from people on the types of content they'd like to see - if there are labels they'd like to learn about or other topics. I'm a very open book, so please just email me or send me a DM!"

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#27

queeeerchameleon Report

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Rachel Cobb
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember asking my friend. He realized he was Bi, then Pan, then Trans. The world gives you so much pressure it's hard to be yourself right away, isn't it?

Luna Crow
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Who came through this sub thread and down voted a bunch of comments? It's perfectly ok to keep experimenting until you find out what you're comfortable with, and guess what? Sometimes people change. Someone else's journey of discovery doesn't affect you, let them be themselves

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Lizzy Abbey (she/they)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I was converted to gay in 5th grade, (Ik you aren't like converted or somthing its a joke me and my friends have ok?!?!?)

AutumnSong2009
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It can change. Last year I thought I might be ace/Demi after learning about it from friends. Then after a few conversations about crushes, they thought I was biromantic. Now I’m a Bi teenager who’s about to finish 8th grade yey.

Bordem Exprt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah. You don't just ¨turn gay¨ you are born that way, and you have to figure out what your sexuality is. No matter the age, you are accepted.

Tommy Jones
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't think anyone is born with their sexuality. Most people don't have sexual or romantic thoughts for the first ten years of their lives, so you can't really say you were always straight, gay or whatever.

Wednesday
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I realized I liked boys (cis/straight) when I was FOUR years old. Which, incidentally, is not too young for someone to realize how they are oriented.

Kat Y
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Recent research from the university of Utah found that sexual orientation can be 'fluid': 'The existing body of international research assessing sexual attractions, behaviors, and identities among representative samples of adolescents and adults shows that sexual orientation is not a static and categorical trait.' I've heard interviews of people from gay community who believe their sexual orientation is their personal choice, not a case of being 'born that way' and find that description as prescriptive and inaccurate.

Kat Y
Community Member
1 year ago

How does this explain people who have left their gay lifestyle for a heterosexual one because it no longer 'fit' ?

Paul Macdonell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes it is a weird question but to older people it may be their way of starting the conversation. Not always a bad thing.

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