The symbol of the snake winds through history, mythology, and science; and changes meanings to suit context. The meaning that resonates to me as a nonbinary trans Chinese person is how the snake retains its identity as it flows into diverse circumstances.
There is a fluidity to diversity when minority groups spurned by the majority culture embrace each other, live together, and find solidarity. Despite not fully understanding each other, the lesbian community formed strong connections with Chinese immigrants in the era of Chinese exclusion. Chinese farmers built respectful connections with Indigenous peoples of Vancouver as mainstream Canadian society discriminated against both groups.
Here, the snake is joined by four friends: the centipede, the scorpion, the toad, and the lizard – the other Five Poisons of Chinese folklore. Although they have inspired fear in those unfamiliar with them, all five are fascinating creatures that share habitats and are interconnected in the web of life.
Ris (they/them) is a non-binary designer, illustrator, and full-time cat parent. Their illustrations fuse cute things with cool things. They are inspired by art and storytelling as a way to communicate our values and history and create community connections.
The Lantern City is grateful to be held on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkwəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish Nation), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation). We acknowledge our privilege to be gathered on this land, and commit to work with and be respectful to the Indigenous peoples whose arts and stories inspire us to bring communities together.
