Art of Pride

Art of Pride was first organized in 2005 by community activist Judy Forman (aka Judy the Beauty on Duty) alongside local artist and activist John Keasler to create intentional civic and artistic spaces where LGBTQ artists can freely express themselves and have a venue for community members to discover and enjoy their creativity. The program has historically connected local LGBTQIA+ artists with space at the San Diego Pride Festival to display and sell their work as well as the opportunity to be a featured artist with their pieces exhibited at Pride’s office in North Park. In 2020, Art of Pride became an official program of San Diego Pride and has begun building upon this programming to reach and support more of San Diego’s LGBTQIA+ Artists and those that appreciate their work.

Art of Pride is a volunteer cooperative of LGBTQ+ artists and allies centering on the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ artists and the artwork they create. We highlight and celebrate the spectrum of artists of color, women artists, transgender, nonbinary and intersex artists as well as intergenerational art. Together, through our art, we foster community connection, combat homophobia and transphobia, and provide art-based education to uplift San Diego’s LGBTQ+ art communities.