Published on Jun 24, 2016
A trans* conscious safe space and public art demonstration in solidarity with the trans* community and all those affected by the HB2 Bill
On May 28th, the streets of Asheville were illuminated and claimed as a safe public space for members of North Carolina’s trans* community. Visitors and pedestrians joined us, gathered information, asked questions, and engaged in open discussion about trans* identity in order to provide a safe space for trans*, cis, allies, and others. We invited artistic contributions in the form of performance, poetry, video, and other media, to express solidarity with the trans* community and opposition to the repressive House Bill 2 legislation, which subjects trans* individuals and members of the LGB community to discrimination and civil rights violations. Luan Joy Sherman and Adam Rush produced videos for the outdoor installation.
The project was created by a group of international artists attending Black Mountain School with the aim of supporting the trans* and LGB community of Asheville and greater North Carolina in response to the HB2 Bill. A lack of public information on the subject of trans* lives has resulted in extreme misunderstanding and misrepresentation for trans* citizens, leading to civil rights violations and severe cultural backlash. Transgendered people have historically suffered great injustice in society: we aim to deconstruct myths and offer solidarity with citizens who wish to speak the truth unapologetically–that trans* folks are our brothers and sisters, who deserve the same dignity and respect that all people are entitled to.
#TransLivesMatter #TransVisibility #every29hours #repealHB2 #BlackTransLivesMatter #HisNameWasBlake #FlushDiscrimination #WeJustNeedToPee #GirlsLikeUs #TransIsBeautiful
Produced and Directed by:
Luan Joy Sherman, Adam Rush and Stephen Zacks
Music: Dark, Dark, Dark, "Hear Me."
Contributions and thanks to:
Black Mountain School, The BLOCK Off Biltmore, Tranzmission, Serena Sebring, Flint Public Art Project, Amplifier, Inc., and Terrorbird Publishing
Additional thanks:
Chelsea Ragan, Adam Void, Pixie, Alex Chaparro, Serena Rio, Lo Bil, Rails, Melanie McCuin, Abby Kathan, Nicholas Arehart, Faythe Levine, Ginny Benson, Hannah Jeremiah, Lauren Stroh, Joe Ahearn, Hannah Shimabukuro, Katy Maehl, Amanda Aymar, Jesse Lacy, Jeff Stark, Michael Casselli, Heather Murray, Megan Mirro, Zachary Werbalowsky
In support of Southerners On New Ground and Tranzmission
