Thank you for attending the first annual Queer Arts Festival!
We are immensely grateful to all the artists, partners, patrons, speakers, and sponsors who made this year possible. We’re proud to have brought you a week-long celebration of LGBTQ+ programming, spanning 7 venues across 4 different neighborhoods.
This year's themes of Music, History, and Literature allowed us to deeply explore LGBTQ+ culture and foster a genuine sense of community.
From our Opening Night, where nearly 100 attendees gathered to hear from queer leaders in technology, science, and public health, to our bustling gallery open house in Hyde Park, and the intimate yet moving panels during our Literature Day at the Boston Public Library, and Concert at Club Cafe, we truly thank you for being a part of it all.
And let’s not forget the unforgettable National Coming Out Day party at Estella!
Whether you were part of the larger crowds or the more intimate discussions, every moment helped create meaningful conversations and strengthened our community in ways we’ll cherish. Queer Culture is about belonging and connecting, we connected and created a fostered a sense of belonging in some big and small ways.
We can’t wait for next year’s festival, where we’ll dive into the themes of Queer Life, Queer Theatre, and so much more!
2024 Schedule & Speakers
Monday October 7th, 2024, Opening Night
Rainbow Tales, LGBTQ+ Voices in Science, Technology & Environmental Sustainability.
We partnered with the Museum of Science in Boston to host our festival opening, presenting a special edition of our signature program, Rainbow Tales. This event featured live talks from LGBTQ+ leaders in science, technology, public health, and environmental sustainability.
Adrianna Boulin, Fenway HealthRobbie Goldstein, Dept. Public Health 
Christopher Schmitt, Boston UniversityIvan Hsiao, Trans Health HQ
Tuesday, October 8th, 2024
Day: 2 Gallery Reception
On Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, we proudly hosted an open house and evening reception at our Pryde Gallery, our pilot space in partnership with the LGBTQ Seniors Housing. This special gathering served as a tribute to our first anniversary and the grand unveiling of our inaugural exhibition venue. We marked the occasion by celebrating our first annual festival and the vernissage of the Black Queer Exhibit, a retrospective on black queer people & the places they created during the 70s, 80s and 90s.
The event was a wonderful opportunity to connect with artists, local residents of Hyde Park, and all those who share our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. Together, we honored creativity, collaboration, and the power of community as we embarked on this exciting journey.
You can read more about the Pryde Gallery Here
Wednesday, October 9th, 2024
Day 3: The Impact of Service
On Wednesday, October 9th, 2024, we joined our Founding and Legal Partner, Latham & Watkins, for a special luncheon and discussion on the impact of service. Our festival coincided with the firm’s pro bono week, and thus both institutions programs merged for this occasion. Our Founder, Board Chair, and other board members participated to emphasize the significance of history and the mission of the LGBTQ+ Museum.
The speakers addressed the attendees, which included associates, junior partners, and senior partners from the firm, discussing the recent attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. They highlighted the importance of pro bono service in protecting LGBTQ+ rights and ensuring that our queer history is preserved and celebrated.
Hosted By:
Thursday October 10th, 2024
Day 4: Queer Narratives
Celebrating LGBTQ+ Voices in literature with queer authors & writers
On Thursday, October 10th, 2024, we proudly partnered with the Boston Public Library to host a transformative Day of Literature, at the Central Branch in Copley to celebrate the voices of LGBTQ+ authors, writers, and speakers.
The festival event- though attended by a small audience, featured a series of three dynamic panel discussions, including in a powerful keynote address by Rev. Brandon Crowley. These conversations delved into the profound significance of literature that centers queerness, examining its historical roots and contemporary relevance. We engaged in meaningful dialogue about the alarming rise of book bans, the vital importance of transgender narratives, and the necessity of preserving diverse voices within the literary landscape.
This event also highlighted the rich contributions of LGBTQ+ literature and fostered a community of allies and advocates dedicated to ensuring that all stories are told and valued.
Speakers
Schuyler Bailar, Author
Corey Yarbough, ED of 826 Boston
Harris Zhao, Board Member
Derrick Young, Jr. ED of Leadership Brainery & Writer 
Russ Lopez, AuthorJean Dolin, Boston LGBTQ+ Museum President
Giselle Byrd, ED of TTO
George M Johnson, Author
Geena Rocero, Author
Jonathan Allen, Speaker, Writer & Director of Development, Leadership Brainery
Reverend Brandon Crowley, AuthorDay 5: LGBTQ+ Special Collection Visit
The Boston Public Library hosted an exclusive open house featuring items, prints and materials from their Special LGBTQ+ Collection.
National Coming Out Day Party!
Hosted by Estella’s. We gathered for a reception and Dj Set to celebrate National Coming Day!
Closing Concert
We closed the festival with a Bang! Live musical performances featuring MA based artists, Jared Vasquez and Red Shadeyz.
