Queer Art Resources
For my queer community project, I decided to research and find art resources that fit the need for queer artists. This list comes in several different forms, from films and books to mutual aid funds and communities, all of these resources are meant to support, educate, and validate young emerging queer artists. This is by no means an exhaustive list of resources but some that I found during my research to be impactful.
Resources
- Select Books
A fairly recent but highly insightful book, Queer X Design is a must-read for queer artists, designers, and activists. The book covers some of the queer community's most iconic symbols and their origins.
Dark Tears: LGBTQ Resilience in Latin America by Claudia Jares
Dark Tears follows the work of Claudia Jares, an Argentinian photographer and performance artist who focuses her lens on the lives of Latinx LGBTQIA+ individuals. Her work introduces many people to the long, conservative history present in Latin America and the issues many of these individuals in the community face.
Art After Stonewall, 1969–1989, edited by Jonathan Weinberg
This book takes a deep dive into the after-effects of Stonewall on the art world. Many of the most popular artists at the time, such as Robert Mapplethorpe and Andy Warhol, were queer, which made waves even in heteronormative society at the time. The book also sheds a light on how large and small artists pushed forward the movement to its present state.
- Select Films
Taking a look at queer relationships in the pre-World War era of Britain, Maurice’s candidness allows issues of heteronormativity and shame to bubble up. The film follows Maurice Hall, a British gentleman, who grapples with coming to terms with his sexuality and being in relationships in such an oppressive society. While not based in the 1980s, the film has been applauded for its positive portrayal of queer individuals during the AIDS epidemic.
Disclosure is a documentary that shines a light on issues of transgender violence in the United States. The documentary functions as a critique of transgender and queer representation in the media, whether that be television or film. Featuring testimonials from prominent transgender and queer activists and community members, the documentary is a masterpiece that reminds the community and its allies that there is plenty of work to be done.
This film is one of the essential queer movies everyone should watch. Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight is a groundbreaking piece that tells intersectional stories boldly. Oftentimes, art and representation are relegated to the most privileged but Moonlight is a testament to diverse representation in queer art.
No queer film list would be complete without mentioning Paris is Burning. Taking place in the 1980s, Jennie Livingston’s documentary introduces us all to the underground ballroom scene of New York. Truly life-changing, the film is a great introductory piece that shows real queer people and their stories.
- Select Funds, Grants, and Mutual Aide
Queer|Art|Mentorship Giving Circle
As a response to the COVID-19 crisis, Queer|Art has launched the Queer|Art|Mentorship Giving Circle — a new initiative to help us ensure no artist in our community goes without basic needs as we navigate this pandemic together.
According to their website, “Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support for our community that’s been divested from police since day one. We’re run by and for trans people.” They are open 24/7 and even offer financial assistance on top of mental health guidance.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA)
According to the Queer Art website, “VLA provides legal services and webinars for artists and arts organizations.” They provide paid and pro bono legal art assistance through their website.
Artist Relief is an organization that provides grants and aid to artists facing dire situations due to COVID-19. The organization’s creation stemmed from a donation from the Rober Rauschenberg Foundation, which was matched by several other artist foundations and funds. They have awarded over $5000 to artists, no matter their specialization.
- Communities
QTPOC Open Space
An extension of The Center in Long Beach, the QTPOC Open Space offers a safe space for queer and trans people of color in Long Beach. The group meets monthly to celebrate queer art, teach new techniques, and promote self-care.
For more information contact Alli & Laura at qtpoc@allisimon.com
The LGBT Art Studios Discord server is a good way to meet like-minded people who have a shared interest in art.
The Queers and Allies Discord server on campus provides a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people can express themselves. Meant for the CSULB community, there are multiple channels for art, resources, and mutual aid initiatives local to the Long Beach area.
For more resources, please refer to this list of resources compiled by Queer|Art: https://www.queer-art.org/community-resources
