Vancouver-based queer Punjabi visual artist Jag Nagra sits down to chat about her Rise FC Pride scarf design, the importance and impact of queer art, and seeing queer representation on the field.  

Q1: What is the story behind the scarf? 

I wanted the scarf to feel like a celebration of the queer community. When people hold it up in the stands, I wanted it to feel joyful and full of pride.  

The design brings together symbols of love, visibility, and community. At the centre is an eye with rainbow-coloured eyelashes which represent the fans watching the match. 

The sense of community at Rise FC matches is so beautiful, and I wanted this scarf to celebrate that. Next to it is a pride flag, a pair of lips overlaid with the words “Love Wins."  

The other side of the scarf features the words “Rise with Pride.” I wanted to tie the message to the team’s name while also making it a call to action: an invitation for everyone to rise with pride, both on and off the field. 

Q2: Why is it so important to highlight queer art? 

Queer art helps tell stories that haven’t always been in the mainstream. It creates visibility, and gives a platform for us to share our personal experiences and perspectives. Art is a beautiful way to help build bridges and to help start important conversations.  

So much of activism includes having to fight for a seat at the table, and I think when we can highlight queer art and queer artists, it’s a powerful and meaningful way to have our voices amplified. 

For me, if my art can have a positive impact on even one person, it’s a success. 

Q3: How does being queer impact or influencer your art? 

I think being a queer Punjabi artist has definitely influenced the stories I tell through my art. I spent a lot of my life suppressing those identities and wanting to be someone else. 

As I got older and started thinking about what kind of legacy I want to create for my children, it started to become more and more important that I don’t shy away from these very important parts of myself. I never want them to grow up feeling like they aren’t enough, or that their perspectives aren’t enough. And as a result, I think my art speaks to that. 

Q4: What does it mean to have queer representation in sport and on the field? 

There have always been queer athletes across all sports. Whether they’ve been celebrated or had safe and supportive spaces to come out is a whole other story though.  

Having representation sends an important message that everyone is, or should be, welcome in sports, whether it’s us fans in the stands or the players and coaches. Having positive queer role models is so important.  

We all need to feel a sense of belonging and a sense of community, and when we see queer people out there living their lives unapologetically, and being celebrated, it helps create a ripple effect and gives hope to so many.