June is Pride Month! It is a time to honor the 1969 Stonewall uprising in NYC, which is considered the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States and recognize the contributions and achievements made by the LGBTQI+ community in this country. 

In recognition of Pride Month, we asked our staff to share artists/creators who have impacted their lives or who have made an influenced arts and culture in contemporary society. 

Courtney Law - Director of Communications, Partnerships & Digital Initiatives

Alok - Writer | Comedian | Performing Artist

Who is a contemporary artist/creator that has been an influence in your life?

I think Alok is one of the most fascinating, brilliant queer artists working right now. They are a writer, comedian, performance artist whose work explores trauma, belonging, and the human condition.

Per Wikipedia, “Their artistry responds to perceived violence against trans and gender non-conforming people, calling for freedom from constraining gender norms. They advocate for bodily diversity, gender neutrality, and self-determination. Alok has presented creative work in over 40 countries.”

I feel so moved by their views on gender, visibility, and the power of queer love. I’ve been out and have been an activist for more than 20 years, yet I learn so much from Alok, including learning to love myself and my queerness more.  

They are featured on lots of podcasts, talk shows, etc. Here’s a relevant and poignant quote I frequently read from them: “Survival is the ultimate act of creation in a world that has reduced us to a quantitative statistic, not a human soul. So we still found a way to care, love, and create - isn't that art?“

Share and discuss your favorite work from this artist/creator?

I’m not sure how to select one work of theirs. Instead, I will encourage folks to follow them on Instagram so they can learn from them directly. https://www.instagram.com/alokvmenon/?hl=en

Tai Bickham - Marketing & Community Specialist

Rainbows & Revolutions Exhibition at the History of Colorado Center

Who is a contemporary artist/creator that has been an influence in your life?

There are many artists that identify themselves as queer that have been influential in my life, making it better along the way. This Pride, I wanted to highlight an exhibition at the History of Colorado Center, Rainbows & Revolutions that shares the story of the LGBTQIA+ community, the collection of love, vocality, perseverance and advocacy that took place in our own city. The exhibition opens on June 4! 

You can also click here for a list of Pride events happening in Denver all month long.