In the collection of poems “On My Way To Liberation,” trans poet and artist H. Melt illustrates a future where trans, nonbinary, and queer folks are safe, supported, and celebrated. Being in H. Melt’s home—surrounded by reminders of queer revolution, resilience, and imagination—the future they write about does not feel too distant.

An eclectic mix of bright home decor, queer art, and ephemera make the studio apartment in Chicago feel both like a cozy home and an expertly curated gallery. While their space has an undeniable aesthetic, H. Melt said for them, decorating a home is more about creating somewhere they feel safe and supported than anything else.

One of H. Melt’s many inspirations for how they organize and maintain their home is gay artist Roger Brown. Brown’s home in Chicago is open to the public as a museum and archive space, and it is not difficult to imagine that H. Melt’s home will one day be a piece of queer history as well.

Inspiration: Queer camp, trans activism, and local artists.

Favorite Element: The Museum of Transgender Hirstory and Art collage made by Chris Vargas. It makes me feel like I’m protected by trans people and motivated by other trans artists when I’m at home and writing at my desk. It feels like my community is with me.

Biggest Challenge: How much art I have in comparison to how much wall space I have. A lot of my art is fairly large too, so I constantly rotate different pieces and move things around.

Proudest DIY: The fabric banner I made that reads “THEY.”

Biggest Indulgence: The amount of flamingos I have in my apartment.

Best Advice: To surround yourself with things that remind you of people that you love and care about.

What’s your best home secret? To have one area where you can have a mess. Mine’s my closet.

PAINT & COLORS
Apartment was already painted.

BEDROOM/LIVING ROOM
Celebrate People’s History Posters — JustSeeds
Letterpress Posters — Angela Davis Fegan
Calendar — Molly Costello
Jacket — Gender is Over
Table — Found in an alley
Desk — Somewhere in Vermont
Sofa — IKEA
Pink Bookshelf — Target
Bedspread — Target
Pink Chair — World Market
Small Trans Flag — A Room of One’s Own
Flamingo Mirror — Brown Elephant

DINING ROOM/KITCHEN
Stained Glass — Lazy Dog Antiques
Hot Dog Puzzle — Foursided
Record — Gerber Hart Library
Vienna Beef Poster — Vienna Beef factory

BATHROOM
Shower Curtain — Bed Bath & Beyond

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