Threads of Care: Affirming Allyship into Queer Narratives
Artworks from the Art Therapy Workshop conducted in collaboration with Rainbow Asia and Ayana Art Therapy
Holding Space Through Art: "Threads of Care" was born from the shared intention to create a space rooted in community care, where queer individuals could come together, connect deeply, and feel seen.
Allyship emerged as the guiding theme, grounded in the belief that meaningful connection begins with the relationship we hold with ourselves, through moments of acceptance, repair, and love.
continue reading...The workshop offered space to reflect on how we hold care for ourselves while extending it to those around us. Individual and collective healing often unfold side by side, gently shaping one another.
Facilitated by Trauma Informed Art Psychotherapists Vaishnavi Bhaskar Dinakar and Michelle Baraba, the workshop on 15 March 2025 invited participants to explore identity, belonging, and allyship through creative expression.
Here, 24x30 cm canvases offered a gentle invitation to imagine, explore, and express. Participants worked with a palette of materials: fabrics, yarn, beads and sequins, dried flowers, assorted papers, and binding glue. Each material was selected with care and intention. Cloth, for its deep cultural ties that connect communities across the world. Yarn, for the way it weaves individual threads into something strong and interconnected. Dried flowers, as a beautiful and gentle reminder of the preciousness of life. And shimmering beads and sequins, to reflect the joy, pride, and brilliance that lives within the queer spirit.
Across titles like "Entwined", "Inner Conflicts", and "Despite Everything - I Am Still Me", shared themes surfaced, longing for respect and belonging, the courage to be discovered, and the strength to move through adversity. Through image, texture & form, a collective non-verbal voice emerged - See me. Respect me. Celebrate me for who I am. This body of work reflects the essence of queer resilience: not a demand for validation, but a quiet insistence on being met with dignity.
This collection invites you to witness, feel, and honour this weave of shared experiences. Crafted in silence, yet carrying a truth that speaks volumes.
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Co-founder, Ayana Art Therapy
Vaishnavi (she/they) is a registered trauma-informed art psychotherapist supporting youths, adults, and LGBTQIA+ individuals navigating complex trauma, identity, and relationship challenges. Their approach is queer and trans-affirming, sex-positive, kink-allied, and rooted in collaboration. Through art therapy, they help clients process emotions, reconnect with their bodies, and support healing. Vaishnavi meets each person where they are—moving at their pace toward recovery and growth, while ensuring they feel safe, seen, and celebrated.
AThR, MAAT, B.Sc Hons (Psych)
Founder, Oaza Therapy
Michelle (she/her) is a trauma-informed Art Psychotherapist supporting people of all ages—children, teens, adults, and seniors—in healing the mind, body, and spirit.
Specialties: LGBTQIA+, depression, anxiety, stress management, identity, self-esteem, sexual wellbeing
From our hearts, we thank the following kindred souls whose support and dedication made this outreach program a huge success!