A look into identity, emotion and courage to be vulnerable

“Sun is also a star”: a creative session that Kasha Kard and Tom Stocks, founder of Collidescope, attended. Fragile strength curator, Vikas Garg, hosted an interview cum discussion with them. 

In this more than an hour-long discussion, they talked about men, the LGBTQ+ community, the discrimination and hardships men from queer communities face. They both shared their views on men and mental health, discussing how society often portrays men as tough and attributes strength to them.

Hosted as part of Fragile Strength, a year-long project of Artlune exploring masculinity and mental health through art, conversation, and community. This session brought together an artist-activist and a drag performer for a conversation that brings the key insights and a different perspective to the research. 

Kasha Kard & Tom Stock (Left to right)

Every moment shapes our story 

Every story is made up of so many moments, big, small, messy or beautiful. In this full-day collage-making session, we explored identity, resilience and connection through the simple act of creating with our hands.

This wasn’t just a creative session; it became a safe space for Tom and Kasha to share their life experiences. Their stories were raw and deeply relatable, not just within the queer community but for all men who have struggled with expectations placed on them.

“Men are told to stay strong, stay focused, stay in control. But what about the rest of what they feel?” That’s the question Tom raises in his moving video for Fragile Strength.

For Tom, strength isn’t just about mindset or physical power. It’s about having space to feel. To be soft. To express emotions that are often seen as “non-masculine.” And in today’s world, that takes a different kind of courage.

Why Self-Acceptance Matters?

Tom believes that real strength lies in balance: strength of mind and body, yes, but also the ability to be gentle, to be vulnerable, to say:

“I’m feeling low today.”

“I’m energised today.”

These small moments of honesty are powerful.

He shares how society assigns a particular way of living to men from the very beginning, expecting them to always be tough, driven, and emotionally controlled. Men are often told to focus on goals, maintain discipline, and keep their emotions in check. But what about the days when they don’t feel okay? When they feel fragile, tired, sad, or simply need to be held?

Being emotionally open is not a weakness; it’s part of being human. Feeling fragile, whether mentally or emotionally, is a process we all go through. It can’t and shouldn’t be pushed away or ignored.

Kasha Kard’s Journey: From Fragile to Strength?

During Pride Month, at a pop-up event, Tom Stock met Kasha Kard, a moment that would spark a meaningful connection. Kasha, a drag performer, was introduced to Collidescope through that encounter, and what followed was more than just an introduction; it was a turning point. 

For Kasha, being a drag queen isn’t just about performance; it’s about freedom, joy, and self-expression without fear. “The moment I put on makeup, I feel different and happier than I’ve ever been. I’m very much living my best life,” he shares, capturing the liberating power of embracing his identity. Reflecting on Kasha’s journey, Tom says, “You’ve come from fragile to strength”.

Redefining What Strength Means

Tom and Kasha’s stories remind us that strength isn’t just about physical power or mental endurance. It’s also about being soft when you need to be, honest about what you’re feeling, and open with yourself and the people around you. You can witness their journeys through this video.

These are the stories at the heart of Fragile Strength, a project that believes emotional truth, in all its rawness and vulnerability, deserves to be seen and heard.

Because strength isn’t about hiding your feelings. It’s about owning them and finding comfort in who you truly are.

And maybe, just maybe, that’s where real strength begins.

---

Artlune is more than a gallery; it's a movement to showcase the vibrant voices of emerging and mid-career artists from South Asia.

For more information, contact us at admin@artlune.com or call +91 9899187125 (India), +44 743 693 3096 (UK)