In 2026, the United States will mark a monumental milestone—its 250th anniversary. This landmark year will offer an unprecedented opportunity to honor the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals, affirming their essential place in the story of America.

During the Spring/Summer Season of 2026, we will host two major exhibitions

We have commissioned a large-scale piece of artwork that will be tilted Rainbow of America. The piece will be a mix medium multimedia tapestry of portraits of LGBTQ+ individuals submitted by people from around the country. The portraits will pay homage to activists, everyday heroes and queer pioneers, and it will serve as a testament to the diverse and vibrancy of LGBTQ+ community. This collection of imagery will be a powerful visual representation of the lives, struggles, and triumphs of those who have shaped and continue to shape our nation in the progress of American society.

Queerness: A Path to Democracy, an 8-month long exhibition exploring the integral role LGBTQ+ individuals have played in the shaping of American democracy. From early struggles for civil rights to present-day movements for equality, this exhibit will trace the intersection of queerness and democracy, highlighting the activism and leadership that has helped push the boundaries of freedom and justice. Throughout this exhibition, visitors will see how LGBTQ+ individuals, groups and communities have been at the forefront of social change, challenging societal norms, advocating for human rights, and movements that have expanded the notion of democracy to be more inclusive and reflective of all citizens.

2026 Impact Programs

Queer Humanists: A Generation of LGBTQ+ Humanities Practitioners

Queer Humanists is an eight-month virtual humanities program running from fall 2025 to spring 2026. The program brings together a diverse cohort of participants who will engage in weekly sessions led by college lecturers, writers, and art historians. These sessions will explore LGBTQ+ history, culture, and theory through creative writing workshops, illustration and art classes, and other humanities subjects.

Participants will take part in a mix of one-time discussions, four-part workshops, seminars, and lectures, all taught by renowned faculty. The program is designed to foster intellectual engagement and creativity at the intersections of identity, storytelling, and scholarship.

As a culmination of their experience, participants will submit original written and visual works for publication in a collective anthology, which will be released in summer 2026 as part of the nationwide celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

The program is led by Timothy McCarthy, who serves as our Honorary Chair of Faculty and Humanities Advisor

Other Impact Programs that will continue in 2026

Curator in Residence

Artists in Residence

Creative Design Fellowship

These initiatives, taking place at the Boston LGBTQ+ Museum, will not only contribute to the ongoing dialogue about the evolution of American democracy but will ensure that LGBTQ+ history is a central part of the nation’s 250-year story.