“(Never) Meant to Survive”

Debuted @ Kentuckiana Pride June 14-15th 2019 &

@ Regalo June & July 2019

Kentuckiana Pride Foundation and FEVA proudly present “(Never) Meant to Survive,” a portrait series honoring LGBTQ Activists and Icons. The installation includes 13 recreated historical photos of figures including James Baldwin, Marsha P. Johnson, Audre Lorde, Edie Windsor, Sylvia Rivera, Harvey Milk and more, utilizing similarly identifying local Queer folk as models. 

2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, which were the catalyst for the modern LGBTQ Rights Movement. The fight continues, and in light of this anniversary and the current political climate, it is more important than ever to learn about Queer history. As we pay homage to LGBTQ activists and cultural icons by recreating their images with inspiring Queer folk in our community, we’re connecting generations and demonstrating the power of the icon’s legacy through the life and survival of their modern counter-part.

The title, ‘(Never) Meant to Survive’ is inspired by the poem, “A Litany for Survival” by Queer Woman of Color, Audre Lorde, and it’s refrain,  “we were never meant to survive.”