Deeqo Hussein’s story originally appeared in Up + Rising, a celebration of extraordinary Black voices, and is the first chapter of i-D’s 40th anniversary issue (1980-2020).
i-D chronicled over 100 activists and artists, musicians and writers, photographers and creatives, in Atlanta, Baltimore, Minneapolis, LA, London, New York, Paris and Toronto.
“The obsession of controlling my narrative. Somalian born but IKEA raised. So much pain and shame in being yourself in a country like that. I’m happily surprised that leaving Sweden is still one of my best decisions.
It was necessary for my well being, and to get a sustainable perspective upon my existence. How can I thrive when a whole society has decided to make me nothing, that I don’t deserve to obtain peace in this world?
My identities emerges from being a war survivor, black, muslim and queer. And in between different worlds I’m chasing what makes me human, the heightened emotions and idealisation.
Practicing political transformation on a daily basis because our humanity depends on revolution. So one day I can perhaps have dreams not influenced by the society’s ideas of me. I do believe another world is possible.
I’m rooting for the freedom of our future.”
Credits
Photography Joshua Woods.
Styling Dan Sablon.
Hair and make-up Aurore Gibrien at Bryant Artists using L’Oreal hair and Dior make-up.
Set design Kaduri Elyashar.
Photography assistance Kyle Keese.
Styling assistance Latif Samassi.
Make-up assistance Ruben Mas.
Casting director Samuel Ellis Scheinman for DMCASTING.
Casting assistance Alexandra Antonova.