What is Exist?

Exist is an art show and a trans youth advocacy workshop, hosted in two consecutive days at HGSE. I am curating a space for queer and transgender people of color to express themselves, knowing that the world does not leave space for queer and trans people of color to exist. In this current political climate (and knowing that racism, homophobia and transphobia have existed for decades), it is incredibly salient that I continue to think about and understand my role as a queer trans person of color, and a person with privileges. I’m an able-bodied graduate student at Harvard, a citizen of this country, and light-skinned black person, which hands me certain privileges. I understand that in having conversations about representation, about voice, I think about the complexities and the intersections of one’s identity. The space that I am trying to curate is not for QTPOC to expose or exploit themselves to educate the masses, but rather to have a space that we can call our own. The QTPOC Art Showcase Opening is a celebration and viewing of all submitted artworks. All performance based art will be performed, and a reception will be available. The still visual pieces of work will remain in the gallery for an extended period of time. The Trans Youth Advocacy Workshop will be led by A.T. Furuya, a Japanese American transgender US Historian, and advocate for Transgender Youth In San Diego. Four trans youth from San Diego will also join A.T., and together they will tackle ways in which adults can be advocates for and support trans youth.