Love Month | VRTY Cultural Documentary Campaign
A Documentation of Queer Identity in the 21st Century
VRTY Arthouse Love Month 2026, Spartanburg SC
A photocinematic publication documenting queer identity, faith, and love in Upstate South Carolina. This is a free publication.
To receive the full publication immediately, click the link above. No spam.
Director’s Note
Queer identities are under attack - specifically our transgender community.
Our lived reality has become politicized. Our capacity to love has become weaponized. But even the alchemist teaches us that love is the universal language - creating unity in the midst of global chaos. This campaign has been the most emotionally demanding experience The Arthouse has undertaken.
As a queer man in the south, I know firsthand what it means to have my life reduced to a debate. I know what it feels like to have to negotiate my capacity to love. I know what it means to be rendered silent by those who choose the love of religion over God’s ultimate command to love - and let’s not forget that God’s Son came to dispel the religious.
Rather than engage in debate, this campaign holds up a mirror that reveals the reality of queer people in this current cultural zeitgeist. Queer love has always existed in spaces not traditionally built for us, silently or explicitly.
I’d like to give a special thank you to the Uplift Outreach Center, PFlag Spartanburg, and the independent artists who had the courage to take part in this movement.
Love is a radical force that breaks down social and cultural barriers. I’m not here to persuade you. I’m not here to debate.
I’m here to let the art do the talking.
Truth over Vanity
Select clips from the Love Month campaign. Full media library will be available soon.
Participant Quotes
“I do not need to apologize for wanting to live my truth and I deserve respect from others.” -Pierce Jackson | 17 | Uplift Outreach Center participant
“PFLAG Spartanburg strongly believes in the ability of love and art to break down barriers. We are proud of our involvement in this project and hope that it begins important conversations centered around support, education, and advocacy regarding the queer experience in Spartanburg and beyond.” - PFlag Spartanburg
“36% of LGBTQ+ youth have considered suicide.” -The Trevor Project
“Being queer in America is an act of defiance against the status quo, same as any minority group, and only by overcoming adversity can queer people be truly accepted.” -Penny G | 18 | Uplift Outreach Center Participant
“VRTY has given Uplift youth a unique opportunity to step into the spotlight and celebrate the beauty, love, fashion, and authenticity of young queer lives in the South.” -Jodi Snyder | Program Director of Uplift Outreach Center
“I feel like here in the Upstate people are proud of their love and it’s so inspiring.” -Tala M | Independent Artist Participant
About the Partners
Uplift Outreach Center is an institutional LGBTQ+ partner. They provided access to the youth participants and primary shoot locations. They have confirmed collaboration in campaign issuance and media participation.
PFlag Spartanburg is an institutional LGBTQ+ partner. They have confirmed collaboration in campaign issuance and media participation.
About VRTY Arthouse
VRTY Arthouse® (pronounced Verity) is a production house specializing in fashion design & media projects based in Upstate, South Carolina. The house produces media campaigns, editorial publications, and fashion garments rooted in social commentary. Love Month is VRTY’s 2026 cultural documentary campaign documenting queer identity in the American South.
