Drooling Political
The spit flows freely in George Nebieridze’s new series ‘Drooling Political’. Back in 2015, George gave us a first whiff of his photography with ‘Armpits of Berlin’. Now, the Berlin photographer marvels at another element of good sex – saliva. While often a last-ditch lubricant, it’s also a hot sign of F-you domination. George hails from Georgia, where the government is assaulting the rights and life of the queer community. The series is his own crew’s middle finger to the ruling party.
Q: What’s this all about?
A: “This project is my modest gesture and a reaction to our struggles as Georgian queer immigrants in Berlin. Even though it’s 2025, queerness, being a queer person, is still becoming more and more difficult in Georgia. The deeply closeted and violently homophobic politicians chose the most vulnerable as their target and use the argument of protecting families from “gay propaganda”. I don’t think any propaganda can make anyone gay if they’re confident enough in themselves. Things are getting scarier, but I can’t give up on myself and my community. I keep working and fighting for freedom with everything I can. So let’s spit on them.”
Giorgi Shakarashvili, linguist
“Have I been spat on? Are the far-right activists mental?”
Queenia, queen
“All my fetishes are wet. Spitting and licking are essential to my arousal.”
Uta Bekaia, artist and designer
“Exchanging bodily fluids is a political act.”
Gerge, actor
“Saliva is the first sign that you’re able to taste everything that touches your tongue.”
Shalva Nikvashvili, artist
“I often dream of Jesus fucking me hard, spitting on me and telling me that I’m the chosen one.”
Dzito, tattoo artist
“Expressing myself as a gay man and speaking up about my kinks is officially illegal in Georgia now. Relocating to Berlin provides me with safety and protection and gives me the ability to keep working as a creative.”
Lado, multimedia artist
“Spitting on cops might be a waste of a biologically important liquid, but it’s still worth it.”
Tazo, social worker and human rights advocate
“Since queerness has been criminalized in Georgia, my activism has shifted – now I resist simply by expressing queer joy. Saliva drooling from my lips symbolizes unconventional attraction and love – something that cannot be defeated by any anti-LGBT laws.”
Dato Koridze, photographer and deejay
“Spit is the rejection of submission to the powerful, a step toward freedom from subjugation.”
George Nebieridze, photographer
“The only way I love to receive or give head is when everything is soaking wet and dripping with saliva. The ultimate and the most essential lubricant, brought to you by the queen nature.” (Photo by Philippe Gerlach)