Jamie's Work

Jamie's Reflection

One of the reasons why I chose to make the tapestry was to celebrate doing the scary things in life. Without taking a chance and applying to the Odyssey Project, I wouldn't have grown and changed as much as I have. Applying and then getting accepted was exciting but also very scary. Getting accepted meant leaving my family for the first time in my life and moving in with my aunt in Champaign. Even though it was scary, I pushed through my fear, and I'm happy that I did. Coming here, I've been able to meet so many amazing people. Not only that, but it’s the first time ever on my own where I've been able to create a home and a second family for myself. For that, I will alway be grateful to the Odyssey Project.

I also made the tapestry as a way to reclaim a text that has been used to mask and spread hate and bigotry. I grew up in a ministry family. When I found out I was trans and queer, I was so scared and sad; I thought that there was no hope for me. I didn’t feel safe going to my family for fear of what they would think or say. I shouldn't have felt that because (1) they are my family, and (2) my family, who have spent their whole lives trying to be like Jesus, would know to love me unconditionally–even my queerness. 

Jesus taught first and foremost to love unconditionally, and one of the core themes of the Bible is love. Historically, the Bible has been used to harm minorities, those who have different beliefs, etc., even though Jesus came for the minorities and the disenfranchised. I made this tapestry to reclaim Psalm 139:14. At the end of the day, no matter who you are and how you identify, we are all “wonderfully and fearfully created.”

Note: When I was making the pattern for the tapestry, I didn't double check the bottom line where it shows where the verse is found. The verse is actually found in Psalm 139:14. It was an honest mistake. When making the tapestry, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone and made the chart I used. I didn't realize until it was too late and to fix the mistake I would have to start it completely over since it was made bottom to top. Again, I apologize for the mistake.

Jamie's Work