Santa Monica Recognizes Latinx, Afro, Asian, White, and Indigenous Queer Heritage is a celebratory art exhibition and public program that honors the diverse histories and contributions of queer communities in the City of Santa Monica. Drawing from local perspectives, this initiative uplifts the stories of queer people of color, Indigenous voices, and allied communities whose legacies have shaped both the city’s cultural fabric and the broader movement toward liberation.

This Santa Monica-based exhibition invited artists to submit works that engage with the city’s queer history—its artists, activists, and community spaces past and present. The curation highlights contemporary practices rooted in storytelling, resilience, and collective memory, allowing audiences to experience how histories of struggle and triumph continue to inform today’s creative voices.

These stories provide visibility not only to the artworks but also to the narratives of those who have historically been underrepresented in official accounts of Santa Monica’s past.

Lipalux Original: Love Makes a Hit