Dr Martens Spotlights Boots Showcasing Trans Person With Mastectomy Scars
Image via Dr Martens
Dr Martens’ boots are made for walking all over stigma, even if it means taking some heat.
A couple of weeks ago, the brand’s US division hosted a giveaway for a pair of 1460s customized by queer artist Jess Vosseteig. The colorful footwear, designed as part of Dr Martens’ long-standing DIY Docs competition, is decidedly illustrative with its cheery images of queer characters, clouds, sparkles, and rainbows.
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One side of the boots sees a blue person wearing a tank top with the female symbol, their arms stretched out in alignment with the eyelets.
On the other is a trans character in pink who is bare-chested, revealing the scars they’d gotten from having top surgery.
Vosseteig, who is based in Colorado, says she was inspired by “queer joy” when personalizing the one-off Docs.
“I wanted to include two stylized people that were part of the queer community. I knew I wanted to incorporate lots of color with rainbows, clouds, and sparkles!” the artist explains. “I wrote ‘Queer Joy’ on the back of them to send the message that queer joy will always exist.”
The illustrator shares that her craft focuses on “inclusivity, empowerment, and creating conversations surrounding feminism and the queer community,” and she embodies these messages through “positive, bright, and super colorful” art.
“I love illustrating to empower all genders, break gender stereotypes, and promote body positivity/neutrality,” Vosseteig elaborates. “I want my audience to feel seen and heard in my work, be empowered to be themselves, educate others, and push societal norms!"
But not everyone is over the rainbow about this vibrant call for acceptance, a prospect the brand has anticipated.
Although its campaign has ended, Dr Martens has released a statement in response to disgruntled comments and threats of boycott from the rightwing media and community.
“We’ve always been inspired by the creativity of our community, and we’re honored that our wearers use our footwear as their canvas,” notes the company on Instagram. “We are also committed to defending the dignity of the artists we work with.”
Dr Martens concludes: “We will continue to provide representation for all of our wearers, with respect, inclusivity, and a position of care towards each other. We’re proud to take a stand against hate in any form, be it against the LGBTQIA+ community or others.”
[via The Telegraph and PinkNews, images via various sources]
