"I think it is really important to check ourselves and to realize that yeah we can theorize all we want, but that's not going to put a roof over someones head, that's not going to get someone a meal. In some ways, how is that really important? I think it is great to mobilize thought and then mobilize as humans, but I think there is this very important time where we need to realize that our pretentious discussions here in this expensive school aren't really doing anything for people out on the streets. I don't know too much about how to bridge that gap, but I have been thinking a lot about it." Joe Varisco recently sat down with Gnat Brilmyer to discuss their epic work as fashion designer and recent graduate of the School of the Art Institute in Chicago. Covering a wealth of topics from working with world renowned designers to the unsurprising conflicts appearing on FOX News to building accessible community to queer youth and the barriers of academic privilege. To keep up with Gnat's work, upcoming collaborations and purchase some cute delicious playful bondage gear you visit her here: http://glittergnat.tumblr.com/ http://www.etsy.com/shop/GnatBrilmyer --- This interview is part of the QUEER LEXICON oral history series that attempts to explore and document the lives of queer Chicago culture makers, innovators and luminaries. QUEER LEXICON is an original JRV MAJESTY Production. For more information or to support this project please contact us at [email protected]