It’s been an amazing ride since launching The Queer Face of War in the US this spring, in including an amazing DC kick-off at Politics and Prose with Law Dork’s Chris Geidner and a standing-room-only event at MoMA PS1 in New York with CNN’s Miriam Elder.
I was also deeply humbled by the coverage of the release, especially Kellye Eisworth’s review in the influential photography publication Lenscratch, who wrote, “At once a record of war and a testament to courage, The Queer Face of War reminds us that democracy is measured not only by borders defended, but by the dignity afforded to those within them.”
MoMA PS1 Book Launch with CNN’s Miriam Elder. (Photo by David Bivins.)
Watch the event here.
This has led to some incredible invitations to share the project across Europe this summer. Three highlights include:
Eurovision Song Contest, Vienna: QFW has been selected to be part of Eurovision’s official “Offstage” program, with a gallery show of the work promoted to the thousands who will come to the city for the contest’s finals in May.
Pride Month Exhibition, Kyiv: I’m thrilled to be working with the Ukrainian organizations Insight and LGBTQI+ Military and Veterans for Equal Rights to present a special exhibition of QFW in Kyiv to mark Pride Month in June.
World Pride, Amsterdam: A QFW exhibit will also be featured as part of the World Pride program in Amsterdam at the end of July and beginning of August.
This is an incredible opportunity to build solidarity with Ukraine and queer people everywhere fighting authoritarianism.
But I need your help to make it happen. Most of the costs of the exhibits aren’t covered by the organizers. I need to raise funds to cover expenses like printing and travel costs—which have skyrocketed in recent weeks.
Can you help me raise $5,000 by May 1 to support this trip? I’m already almost 15% of the way there, thanks to donors at my NYC kickoff. This will cover a share of the costs. I’m grateful to the German organization Queer Emergency Aid Ukraine, which has helped organize this tour and is raising an additional $8,000 to share the project across Europe. (If you’re in the EU, donate to their campaign here.)
As always, a portion of funds raised will also go to direct aid for queer people and women in Ukraine.
Please, help us make sure these voices are heard.
Your donations help share the stories of queer Ukrainians with the world. A portion of what we raise will also support aid efforts for women and LGBTQ+ people in Ukraine. You can donate at thequeerfaceofwar.com/support.