This month we pivot our arts focus of Queer Art + Artists to the emerging creative talents of our friends at SMYAL. We hope you enjoy reading about them and the influence of queer voices in film, fine art, and music. Take a peek at our Queer Arts + Artists website series—and please share your opinions with us on social media.
At Little SMYALs programs, kids ages 6-12 not only play games and read books but engage in arts activities that express the beauty they see in their daily lives. It’s a time to explore in a safe place and celebrate being wonderfully, uniquely themselves.
A SMYAL staff pick, “Heartbreak High” is a Netflix reboot of the 1990s Australian teen TV series. The show is receiving rave reviews for its full breadth of identities and different life experiences, including the role of an autistic, queer woman played by TikTok star Chloe Hayden.
“We’re just two black Queer men from South East—and the next big act to come out of DC,” quip Zay and Sean from the R&B duo, SNZ. A SMYAL participant, Zay urges you to sit back, grab your popcorn, and listen to “Get Up and Dance” from their EP, Hummin’ Onna Come Up. Bravo! Listen on YouTube.
100% of all funds raised from the concert will support SMYAL’s critical programs and services for LGBTQ youth. JusticeAid is covering all event production expenses, so all funds raised will support SMYAL’s work.
JusticeAid leverages the community-building power of art and music to transform awareness into action in the fight against injustice. Each year we identify and raise funds for justice causes by hosting music, arts, and educational events. Since 2013 JusticeAid has granted more than 1.7 million dollars to nonprofits working to ensure access to justice for the disenfranchised and marginalized. Our grantee partners are fighting racist voter suppression and racist policing, working to end mass incarceration and inhumane immigration practices, ensuring access to legal services, and addressing the criminalization and hatred of others.
