Faggoty Anne began during the pandemic as a queer reimagining of the classic Raggedy Ann doll — created in direct response to a world that was, and still is, hostile to queer existence. Where mainstream icons uphold polish, perfection, and conformity, Anne rejects all of it. She embraces mess, individuality, play, and the right to define yourself on your own terms. Building her became my way of reclaiming queer joy and honoring the legacy of queer liberation.

The project took physical form in a screen-printing class, where I produced my first t-shirt, The Birth of Faggoty Anne, pairing the original illustration with the phrase “Be Gay Do Crime.” The response from my community made one thing clear: Anne was that girl.

Through expanded illustrations, apparel designs, and a cohesive brand identity, Faggoty Anne grew into more than a character. She became a reflection of my queer community — defiant, joyful, unruly, and unapologetic — and a reminder that owning our otherness is both survival and power.