So many latin social dances exist in the binary of man-woman, where the man is always in the position to lead, and the woman is in the position to follow. Since its inception, CONTRA-TIEMPO has been striving to break this gender binary inside of salsa, even going as far as playing with trading leader-follower roles in the middle of a dance! Over the years, we have been imagining and actively exploring additional ways in which we can counter the narrative of the gender binary.
History of Pride Month
The evening of June 27th, 1969, people gathered at the Stonewall inn, a known gay bar, to fellowship and dance. That night of fun and freedom quickly turned barbaric and horrifying, when the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, dragging people out to the street, and arresting folks for not subscribing to the “normal” gender rules of what clothes to wear. The events of that night sparked 6 days of protests and civil unrest as newspapers spouted homophobic slurs and police continued to act violently towards gay and trans people. One year later on June 28th, 1970, the first Pride parade was held in New York City to commemorate the events of the year prior. Every year following, pride marches and celebrations were hosted in cities around the world, and in 2000, June was officially recognized as Pride Month.
Nowadays, as many events are commercialized and many corporations seem to be performing activism when it comes to LGBTQ+ civil rights, we want to emphasize the importance of supporting artists and uplifting the stories of those that are usually silenced.
June is globally recognized as Pride Month, a time of celebration, commemoration, and activism for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s not only a vibrant celebration of diversity and self-affirmation, but also a potent reminder of the need to promote equity, acceptance, and respect for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. CONTRA-TIEMPO believes that Pride Month represents radical joy and an expression of freedom.
Through parades, parties, protests, and educational events, Pride Month underscores the rich diversity within the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledges the significant achievements made in the pursuit of equality, and highlights the ongoing struggles faced globally. It serves as an essential platform to increase visibility, encourage conversation, and further progress towards true equity and acceptance.
This Pride Month, we’re honoring LGBTQ+ art and artists, and exploring art as a tool for social justice.
LGBTQ+ Art
Art is a powerful language, transcending barriers of geography, culture, and generations. For the LGBTQ+ community, art serves as a platform to depict their unique narratives. It affirms identities, validates experiences, and raises awareness of the issues they face. From painting and sculpture to photography, theater, and dance, LGBTQ+ artists' creative expressions are resonant with a profound sense of honesty and pride.
This art is instrumental in shaping the global conversation about LGBTQ+ rights. It’s also a celebration of the community’s resilience, strength, and diversity. It serves as a rallying point, a source of comfort, and a beacon of hope. The works of artists such as Keith Haring and Harmony Hammond reflect the vibrant spectrum of identities within the LGBTQ+ community, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
Art and Social Justice
Art is inextricably linked to social justice, especially in the context of the identity of the artist. LGBTQ+ art plays a pivotal role in promoting social justice. By providing a vivid glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals, it challenges stereotypes, counters discrimination, and fosters empathy. Notable LGBTQ+ artists like David Wojnarowicz and Catherine Opie have created socially conscious works that shine a spotlight on the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
For the LGBTQ+ community, as for all of humanity, art is more than just aesthetics. It's a potent tool for telling LGBTQ+ stories, promoting LGBTQ+ rights, and advocating for social justice. It makes the invisible visible, giving a voice to those often unheard, and illuminating the path toward a more inclusive and accepting world.
Admittedly, most of CONTRA-TIEMPO’s staff and dancers are cis-gendered, and about half identify as heterosexual. What does that mean for those of us who do not necessarily identify with a LGBTQ+ identity? This means stepping back to amplify other’s voices, and stepping up to protect and cover when rights are being infringed upon. Pride month may be coming to a close, but our role as allies does not end on June 30th. There are many ways to support queer artists!
CONTRA-TIEMPO is a Los-Angeles-based activist dance company. Our physically intense and politically astute performance work moves audiences to imagine what’s possible. We awaken people to a sense of themselves as artists and social change agents who move through the world with compassion and confidence. We wield the power of art to influence social change, live out our values, and teach others to engage in art activism!
Support the movement by donating to a queer artist today! Follow us on social media as we are always sharing artists in our community who deserve your support!
And from all of us at CONTRA-TIEMPO, happy Pride!