soft defiance Opening Party
6–9pm
November 17, 2023 (Saturday)
Harvey Milk Center for the Arts
50 Scott St, SF
Hosted by: Kai Kai Bee Michaels
Live Performances by: drag artists Jota Mercury, Linty, & Panaea; stand up comedian Matthew Beld; performance duo Vin Seaman & Zackary Forcum
Preshow video by: moonyeka and Edgar Fabián Frías & Vin Seaman
Exhibition curated by: Nicola Bosco-Alvarez, Vin Seaman, Ryan MacCarrigan, Bon Bon, J. Manuel Carmona
ADA Accessible
Free!
About soft defiance
How can we remain soft in a hard world? What is gained by refusing to “toughen up”?
A new arts & performance project exploring the intersection of softness and queer mental health
soft defiance is a collaboratively-curated visual arts exhibition led by Harvey Milk Center for the Arts and Photo Center (HMCA), queer arts organization Diamond Wave, and LGBTQIA+ mental health service provider Queer LifeSpace (QLS).
Resisting negativity and hatred is a constant uphill battle for many historically marginalized queer and trans communities that require a firm commitment to centering one’s own mental health and wellness. soft defiance is a celebration of this commitment to our sustained emotional and spiritual well-being.
Exhibition curated by: Nicola Bosco-Alvarez, Vin Seaman, Ryan MacCarrigan, Bon Bon, J. Manuel Carmona
This event is supported by the Kenneth Rainin Foundation and San Francisco Arts Commission.
Join us for the exhibition opening on Saturday, June 17, 6–9 PM
All Events
Join us for a month of programming addressing softness and queer mental health. All programs will be held at the Harvey Milk Center for the Arts at 50 Scott Street, SF.
Friday, June 30, 6 – 8 PM
soft defiance Artist Talk
With curators and artists
Tuesday, July 11, 6 – 8 PM
Healing Masculinities Workshop
With Vin Seaman
Saturday, July 15, 12 – 5 PM – Closing Event
Queer Wellness Symposium
With Rosen Creative
Queer LifeSpace panel