Sai
“I hadn’t worked with Chris before, but I knew of his fantastic work. That immediately put me at ease, and with clear directions, Chris made me feel like a supermodel!
“This image captures my two favourite hobbies: artistic swimming and video game streaming. Both have their own version of creativity and community, and both are industries where being openly queer still faces discrimination.
“This is me.”
Sai
Sai is a Gay Asian video game streamer on Twitch with a passion for artistic swimming. He first discovered the sport, formerly known as synchronised swimming, nine years ago at a queer sports day, and it quickly became a powerful outlet for creativity and expression beyond the rigid structures of corporate life. Since then, he has gone on to win medals in competition and now supports others as an assistant coach with the Out to Swim Angels.
For Sai, being queer is about recognising that life is never limited to just two sides, and finding joy in difference. As someone who often faces assumptions about how he should look or behave, he embraces the chance to challenge those expectations through his presence and movement, even if not through fashion.
His message to younger queer people is simple but strong: never let anyone talk down to you. Surround yourself with people who love and celebrate you, and remember that support is always out there, whether through friends or organisations like the LGBT Helpline and Mermaids.
This is UNCUT — a raw, striking portrait series by award-winning photographer Chris Jepson capturing the power and pride of Queer Joy, shot in a barber’s chair. No filters, no retouching, no compromise. Just bold, beautiful people taking up space exactly as they are.