masyn arguelles

WATERER & Collector

My Aunt Letty was a lesbian, so we always had that in common. She was bright, funny, and always had something to talk about. She would joke about whether I had come out of the closet yet because she already knew I was gay. That created a strong bond between us because she understood me. She was someone you could always trust with things like that.

Aunt Letty was also a big flirt, and I think I picked that up from her. The way she was with girls is similar to how I am now—I like to joke around and have fun. When she passed away, we all received something of hers. My mom was given her shoes, and later she gave them to me. I like to think I carry on my aunt’s legacy when I wear them. When I put those shoes on, I feel more confident and connected to her. My Aunt Letty was amazing, and I love her very much.

Masyn Arguelles is a thoughtful and creative 15-year-old student at Crookston High School in Minnesota. Introduced to In Progress through his sister, Masyn quickly found it to be a welcoming and meaningful space where he could participate often, connect with others, and develop his artistic voice.

One of Masyn’s most impactful experiences at In Progress was creating a photograph centered on his relationship with his father. After his father left, the emotional impact on his family was profound. Through photography, Masyn found a way to process and express those complex feelings, using art as a form of healing and communication that words alone sometimes couldn’t capture.

Outside of photography, Masyn spends much of his free time writing poetry and spoken word. While he humbly describes his work as not “deep,” it is a practice he enjoys and values, offering him another outlet for self-expression and reflection.