On May 6, Queens Museum and Caribbean Equity Project (CEP) launched their “Live Pridefully: Love and Resilience in Pandemics” exhibit. Art lovers gathered at Richmond Hill’s Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park. Christian Thane displayed his photography and Richard Ramsundar provided visual direction. The afternoon featured activists and artists.
In 2022, the presentation debuted at Brooklyn Park. Millions of people read stories and saw photographs of LGBTQIA+ immigrants. The curator of ‘Live Pridefully’ Mohamed Q Amin chose to create a second iteration in the diverse borough of Queens. Volunteers headquartered CEP just blocks away.
The community-based organization CEP advocated for LGBTQIA+ People of Color in New York City. Focuses included immigrant rights, gender equity, education, and cultural programming. The group acted as a liaison to politicians and government agencies. Through events like “Live Pridefully,” they cultivate progressive Caribbean neighborhoods.
Q Amin led tours. Tifa Wine performed in drag while Bloodline Dance Theatre showed off choreography. Rohan Zhou-Lee, Darren J. Glenn, and Tannuja Rozario delivered passionate speeches. Drag Queen Tifa Wine emceed the event Queens Muesum’s Community Partnerships Manager Catherine Grau welcomed attendees.
Artists and co-thinkers developed this exhibition during their ‘Year of Uncertainty’ residency. During the height of COVID, they reimagined how Queens residents could access the museum. They started conducting more outdoor events. “Showing up here with love and joy is what is at the heart of this exhibition,” said Grau. Tifa Wine echoed similar sentiments.
She gave a brief history of indigenous peoples in Carribean lands. Tribes like the Taíno, Kalingo, Igneri, and Ciguayo lived in harmony with nature. Nomadic groups hunted for food. Inspired by animals, artists created pottery and carvings. They called North America “Turtle Island.” Throughout her account, Tifa Wine used the indigenous name.
While creating choreography, she thought about the term “Indo-Carribean.” The new term described survivors of the diaspora from various countries She said, “A lot of our older generations would have said East Indian, but ‘Indo-Caribbean’ provides more representation.”
Throughout the event, reggae, and rap music played. Songs reflected on LGBTQIA+ people of color’s experiences in the U.S. “Always With Me,” by The Movement discussed the benefits of community support.
At CEP’s table, volunteers handed out COVID kits and rapid HIV test kits. Flyers contained information about their support groups, food justice program, and political candidates. Also on the table were shiny pronoun pins. On the fence above, a vibrant poster read, “Protect immigrant rights. We are home.”
A table with refreshments stretched across the park. Volunteers served guyanese chicken patties, shrimp wontons, channa, cheese rolls, pine tarts, and fresh fruit. Water, soda, and ginger ale were stored in ice buckets. The table featured colorful flower arrangements.
Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities, Inc. had an informative table. The non-profit handed out pamphlets and blue notebooks. The organization helps families learn life skills.
Until June 10, the photographs remained on the park’s fence. NYC Department of Parks and Recreation maintained the exhibition.
