Artist's Statement
My art is a rebellion against boundaries—those society sets and those we impose on ourselves. Through drag, music, performance, and activism, I use my work to explore queer identity and challenge the structures that confine us. I believe art can transform, not just by mirroring our world but by reshaping it. Each piece I create is an invitation to confront the uncomfortable, to find strength in vulnerability, and to seek empowerment through self-expression. Art is inherently political, a force for connection, resistance, and liberation. In a world that often isolates the othered, I seek to build spaces that unify, where people can explore their identities safely, free from judgment and limitation. My goal is to use art as a tool of resistance, creating inclusive spaces where individuals can experience community, empowerment, and the freedom to be fully seen.
Extended Biography
Brooke Andromeda von Lyric grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, where they navigated a challenging environment and emerged as a fierce advocate for queer empowerment, art, and social change. Raised in a deeply restrictive household, Brooke discovered early on that art and community could be lifelines. They found sanctuary in an LGBT youth group and soon began advocating for change, founding their high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance and pushing for inclusive policies around dress codes and representation. These formative experiences shaped their commitment to creating safe, inclusive spaces for marginalized voices.
At Rhodes College, Brooke created the institution’s first Gender and Sexuality major, weaving together queer theory, performance, and art studies to explore how identity and self-expression can challenge societal norms. Their studies were enriched by the works of theorists such as Judith Butler, Eve Sedgwick, and Jasbir Puar, whose ideas shaped their academic and personal explorations. Outside the classroom, Brooke began hosting Memphis’s first all-ages drag shows, providing a creative space for young queer artists to explore gender and expression in a city with few such outlets.
Graduating with honors and a reputation for innovative community work, Brooke continued their artistic pursuits by organizing inclusive events, such as MidSouth Monster—a regional pageant celebrating alternative drag. They also expanded into music, creating experimental and queer-centric projects like the punk-pop duo biogrrl, the noise project virtual_body, and their solo endeavor, drrtgrrl, exploring themes of spirituality, trauma, and resilience.
Brooke’s activism extended beyond the arts. As an Outreach Coordinator, they worked tirelessly to improve healthcare access for the LGBTQ+ community in Memphis, developing initiatives that resulted in thousands of vaccinations during the pandemic. This dedication to community welfare also led them to the Memphis recovery scene, where they assist in harm reduction efforts through Narcan distribution and community outreach.
Brooke’s work has been featured in outlets like CNN and the Washington Post, and they remain a driving force for inclusive queer spaces in the South. Through performance, music, and activism, Brooke challenges the limits imposed on queer art, believing that every creative act is inherently political. Their mission is to create accessible, empowering spaces for others to explore their identities, resist isolation, and transform their communities.
Timeline
High School
Founded Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA): Advocated for inclusive dress codes and prom policies.
Bridge Builders CHANGE Program: Participated in the Gender and Sexuality cohort, honing leadership skills.
College (Rhodes College)
Self-Designed Gender and Sexuality Major: First of its kind at Rhodes, focused on queer and performance theory.
GSA President: Led virtual community-building initiatives, sending care packages to students during COVID.
Early Drag & Performance
WYRED Drag Shows: At 18, created Memphis’s first all-ages drag shows, providing a safe space for young queer artists.
Rocky Horror Shadow Cast: Joined as the first underage cast member.
Post-Undergraduate Milestones
All-Ages Drag Show Producer: Continued producing shows, expanding the reach of safe queer spaces.
MidSouth Monster Pageant: Launched and directed this regional queer pageant, sponsored by local businesses.
Museum of Science and History Drag Show: Organized a family-friendly event disrupted by the Proud Boys, ensuring attendee safety.
Professional & Activist Roles
Outreach Coordinator for Local Government: Increased healthcare access for the LGBTQ+ community; organized vaccine drives, vaccinating over 3,000 people.
Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence & HOIST Leather Group: Engaged in community outreach and education initiatives.
Music & Current Work
Music Projects: Launched drrtgrrl, exploring spirituality, trauma, and identity, alongside projects like biogrrl and virtual_body.
Punk Rock the Vote: Produced with Memphis Votes for All, blending drag with political activism.
Media & Recognition
Featured in Media: CNN, Washington Post, Memphis Flyer, highlighting advocacy, art, and activism.