The Ypsilanti community is home to many talented queer artists. Here are just a few to follow and support this Pride Month and beyond. Happy Pride!
Aryana Jharia (She/They)
Aryana Jharia is an Eastern Michigan University student studying secondary education and English. She is a self-published poet, astrologer tarot reader, and educator. As a queer woman of color and child of Indian immigrants, their poetry focuses on identity and personal experience. In Jharia’s second and most recent poetry book, “The Meadow & The Stars,” she explores these topics and more through both words and visual art. Follow Jharia on Instagram @aryanajharia.
Local Artist of the Month: Aryana Jharia
Fearless Amaretto (They/Them)
Fearless Amaretto is an artist in many ways. They are a musician, burlesque dancer, poet, and business owner. Amaretto is a Black and queer artist known for their captivating live performances and spiritual services. They headlined at Ypsi Pride 2024 and frequently set up shop at the Ypsilanti Farmers Market. Follow Fearless Amaretto on Instagram @i__am__fearless and their business, Quing Intuition, @quingintuition.
Ypsi Pride returns to Ypsilanti
Nevaeh Ford (She/Him)
Nevaeh Ford is an Eastern Michigan University student studying fashion marketing and simulation, animation, and gaming or SAG. As an artist, she focuses on fantasy and character design. He is the Vice President of EMU’s S.T.Y.L.E and the founder and President of EMU’s new campus organization, Spectrum of Color. The organization aims to build a community for LGBTQ+ BIPOC on campus. Follow Ford on Instagram @nevxies and keep up with EMU’s Color Spectrum @color.emu.
Madison Cantrell is the Arts and Entertainment Editor at the Eastern Echo and the Editor-in-Chief of Cellar Roots, EMU’s Fine Art Magazine. Since Fall 2023, they have written news, features, and reviews and taken photos for the Echo.
