Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance – Show Recap

Our inaugural exhibition with Totally Tea, Queer Joy as an Act of Resistance, wrapped up on May 17, 2025 and we’re still glowing from the joy, power, and creativity that filled the space.

This show emerged from a deeply emotional place. In the wake of a challenging start to the year, politically, socially, and emotionally, we needed a response that reminded us of who we are. Joy and queer community are not just values to us but tools of resistance, and this show was our way of affirming that.

We put out a call for pieces that celebrated queer joy, not only in its most visible forms, but also in the quiet, gritty, and deeply personal expressions that often go unseen. And our community showed up.

From March to May, the walls of Totally Tea were covered in a vibrant, defiant, and loving mix of visual art that included:

A print on denim boldly stitched with the word Butch and a stamp of an HRT syringe by Grady Sullivan(Show to the right)
Paintings and photographs proudly flaunting top surgery scars by artist Grayson Cullen, Alycia Tsoukalas and Lucas Mendelsohn.
Tender embraces between queer individuals like Violet Lea Henderson's stunning lesbian piece.
A striking portrait of Marsha P. Johnson(shown above), painted on denim with the word Resist down the side, a favorite among our team, by Yanna Marie Orcel.
Abstract celebrations, loud affirmations, and quiet reflections alike

In total, over 40 artists participated, sharing their interpretations of queer joy. From mixed media to photography, digital art to painting, the diversity of voices was powerful. Some of the work sold directly off the walls, congrats to the artists who made sales! But what mattered most was the impact each piece had in community.

We want to thank everyone who submitted work, visited the show, spread the word, and made space for joy in a time when it felt especially radical to do so. This was our first time partnering with Totally Tea, and it couldn’t have been a more affirming match. We’re grateful to share space with folks who understand that community art is a lifeline.

We can’t wait to see what you all bring to our next exhibition: Objects of Affirmation, opening July 7 at Totally Tea. The call for art is open now and we’d love to see what you’ve got.

With love, gratitude, and joy,
—The Queerlective Team