Today may mark the end of Pride month, but LGBTQIA+ Pride is celebrated everyday at theatreMAMA. We are committed to affirming, uplifting and advocating for increased visibility and equality for the LGBTQIA+ community.
Looking for resources and/or to get involved? Check out The Center. The Center offers the LGBTQ communities of NYC advocacy, health and wellness programs; arts, entertainment and cultural events; recovery, parenthood and family support services.
Last weekend, our Blue Man Group Brand Ambassadors attended Youth Pride 2023 in Brooklyn and the annual NYC Pride Parade. Blue Man Group even made a special appearance at Youth Pride! Our Experiential Street Team handed out Blue Man Group swag, including Pride-themed temporary tattoos that were a big hit. What an honor it was to participate in such joyful celebrations of Pride!
Blue Man Group Brand Ambassadors at NYC Pride 2023; Blue Man Group performance at Brooklyn Youth Pride 2023; Blue Man Group Brand Ambassadors at Youth Pride 2023
This month, we also had the privilege of celebrating our MAMAs who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community. Staff members graciously shared their thoughts on what Pride and the arts means to them. Check out their responses!
What Does Pride and the Arts Mean To You?
Maggie Tumiotto Jackson (she/her)
Pride and the Arts form a lifeline together which extends to those who may not be able to live safely or comfortably as themselves yet. It gives form, color, texture, music, light to a future that might otherwise be unimaginable for those who cannot yet show their pride.
Pride has enriched the arts through growing representation, and the Arts have helped Pride pull through to where it is today. Together, they will continue to guide us until everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community can finally flourish knowing they are safe, accepted, and celebrated—even those among us who are the most marginalized.
Hannah Dorph (all)
Pride means being proud of the person I’ve grown into despite every hardship and challenge. It means understanding that the complexities of gender and sexuality reach beyond imagined binaries.
Lizzie Montgomery (she/her)
It means being able to celebrate your truest self and the obstacles our community has overcome.
Bailey Kelis / Bailey C Lewis (they/fae/he)
Freedom to explore myself without having to censor myself.
Tony Thompson (he/him)
Pride by its very definition means “to be especially proud” . I am proud to be full of Pride not just in the month of June. But, for every month. The Arts has helped me be true to myself and to never be afraid to be who I truly am! I’ll show pride for pride and for all days of my life!
James Dirck (he/him)
Art - particularly acting - has always been a therapeutic form of expression for me. There’s a strong sense of community in theatre / film. Similarly, Pride creates a space for queer people to present themselves and share love in the truest form - not just during the month of June, but all throughout the year.
Highlighting queer stories through art is a necessity to me. Sharing ourselves through an artistic medium educates those outside of the queer community, supports those within it and ultimately provides new ways for people to grow and connect.
Art and pride have both been integral to my development as a gay man, as well as serving as the foundation for many of my closest friendships.
Evelyn Ziropoulos (she/her)
For me, Pride and the Arts are the warm passionate feelings of pure expression. Nothing is more true to me than having learned to allow myself comfort in loving the people I have loved and creating the art I've created. The Arts provide the manifestation of the subconscious reflection of myself, and how people I love helped me grow to be who I am. There is no limit to who that may apply to if you learn to be comfortable with giving yourself that opportunity. Everyone is deserving of that!
Grace Sword (she/her)
Pride AND the Arts means expressing your TRUE self and spreading love love love ❤️
Raúl Fox (he/they)
Being able to live my life as myself and opening minds and breaking chains for others. Art is my favorite human trade. It changes people and people change the world.
Cavan Hendron (they/them)
The arts was always a place where I felt that I could be my whole self. And I don't think it's a coincidence that so many queer people find themselves involved in the arts in one way or another. At the end of the day, pride to me is about unapologetically being yourself and telling your story. As artists and storytellers, that is a HUGE reason why we do what we do. We should be uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community and their stories everyday. Through sharing those stories not only are we letting people know they're not alone, but we're healing and growing in the process. Keep using your voice, keep telling your stories, and most importantly keep being YOU.
Jacob Davila (he/him/his)
Being able to be, live, love, and enjoy life the way you want to without any judgment or discomfort! Being able to be yourself with the support from the people you call family!! It’s YOU on the inside and outside!
Gosia Jasiniak (any)
I came out as lesbian last year and this June I want to take advantage of the Pride to really celebrate and embrace my identity. I’m also looking forward to meeting new queer people and create even bigger inner circle of friends!
Karla Giselle (they/them/theirs)
Pride because I love who I am. Arts for the chance of freedom. I’m a Queer Non-binary Latinx and proud.
🌈🌈🤍
Sydney Elliot a.k.a. Lil Ronnie (she/they)
Pride is the reclamation of our own stories and identities. It means choosing to be proud of who we are despite worldwide efforts to make us feel shame.
Sah K. Brule (she/they)
It means just being yourself and not giving an “F” about anyone or anything that tells you you’re wrong or takes that pride away from you.
DJ Comins (she/her)
The arts; theatre, music, drawing, have meant the world to me since I was young. Getting to build my worlds creatively on paper or onstage is a dream come true, every single time.
We are so grateful to our amazing team who shared their incredible stories and ideas with us.
Happy Pride today and every day!
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