Supporting Young Queer Artists: QLS Art Show & Auction Raises Vital Funds for EQUARTY Program
On February 28th, 2025, Queer LifeSpace (QLS) hosted its first Annual Art Show & Auction, bringing together artists, advocates, and supporters for a night of celebration and impact. Hosted by Sister Roma in the beautiful East Wing of The Academy SF, this event was not just an art showcase. It was a powerful statement about resilience, creativity, and the importance of supporting emerging queer artists.
With the venue filled with conversation, laughter, and admiration for stunning artwork, the evening reinforced the need to invest in queer artistic expression and ensure young LGBTQIA+ artists have the resources they need to thrive.
A Showcase of Raw Artistic Talent
The event featured an exhibition of work from EQUARTY program participants alongside a silent auction with pieces by celebrated artists, including Juan Manuel Carmona, Jeremy Novy, Serge Gay Jr, Moena Weiss, CeeCee, Phillip Hua, Diego Gomez, and more. Each piece carried a story and a perspective, highlighting the importance of fostering queer artistry.
“Make America Proud Again” by Juan Manuel Carmona
Guests had the chance to bid on artwork that spanned various styles and mediums, from striking paintings to evocative photography. All proceeds supported the EQUARTY (Emerging Queer Artists in Their Youth) program, which provides young queer artists with:
12 months of free individual and group therapy
Access to artistic resources and mentorship
Professional development training to sustain their practice
Opportunities to collaborate on public art projects
A Night of Community and Connection
Under the warm glow of The Academy’s historic interior, guests mingled over drinks, shared their love for the arts, and reinforced the importance of investing in mental health and artistic growth for the queer community. The presence of Sister Roma, one of San Francisco’s most iconic activists and emcees, made the night even more electric. With humor, heart, and flair, she guided the evening’s festivities and helped keep the energy high.
One of the most meaningful moments of the evening was getting to hear directly from the young artists. They spoke about their creative processes and how the EQUARTY program has provided them with critical support. The night was a testament to how art is not just an aesthetic experience, but a tool for healing, empowerment, and social change.
A Successful Fundraiser
As the auction progressed, guests placed bids enthusiastically, eager to take home pieces while contributing to a cause that directly supports queer artists.
“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, artists, and attendees, QLS was able to raise $3,840.”
These critical funds will help to sustain and expand the EQUARTY program (participants photographed with their artwork below).
By the end of the evening, it was clear that this event was more than just a fundraiser. It was a movement to uplift queer artists and ensure they have the support they need to thrive.
Coming Up
For those who missed the event, many of the showcased works will be featured in a larger exhibition at The Academy SF the last week of May. This will be another opportunity to engage with and support the artists participating in the EQUARTY program.
Thank you to everyone who attended, donated, and helped make this event a success. Your support ensures that Queer LifeSpace can continue to provide a space for healing, creativity, and self-expression. As always, your donations to Queer LifeSpace are tax-deductible and can be corporate-matched during the checkout process (make sure to look for your company’s name in the dropdown menu in the donation form).
Visible in the Spotlight (2023)
Serge Gay Jr.
Open Edition Print
18" X 24" In
Premium Matte Paper
Signed on Bottom
We’d also like to give a special thank you to Brodie and Hannah from Pinterest for volunteering, Victoria Heyman for managing the prize giveaways, board member Anastasia for lending her car, bartender Matteo for the amazing drinks, as well as Nate Bourg and Alónzo Munez from The Academy SF. Thank you to Underglass Framing for donating beautiful custom frames for three of the artworks, Artyhood for helping to promote the event, and of course, Pinterest for providing a significant grant in early 2024 to fund the first full cohort of the EQUARTY program.
We look forward to seeing you at our next EQUARTY art auction, tentatively scheduled for early December 2025.
Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to Queer LifeSpace. Every donation goes towards providing low-cost, sliding-scale therapy to the LGBTQIA+ community in California. Our work is made possible by donors like you. Thank you.