Hey team,

Since LGBTQ+ people have been under attack legislatively and in the media, we wanted to close out 2023 by sending a loud and proud message to our community – you are loved, you are supported, and you are important. That’s where our new mural in the River Arts District of Asheville, NC comes in! 

It’s the latest effort from Southern Equality Studios, one of the core programs of the Campaign for Southern Equality. Through SES, we promote lived and legal equality for LGBTQ+ Southerners through public art projects, queer artist meet-ups, and more across the South.

We’re really proud of this project, and hope you and your friends locally come by to see it. Or, share a picture on social media (including on Facebook, Instagram, or X/Twitter) to spread this message of queer resilience. 

Art projects have played a powerful role in movements for social justice throughout history, and we’re proud to continue that long legacy with a project like this. My favorite part of this mural is how many of you are a part of it – the words of encouragement that comprise the mural are all real notes of support sent to trans youth from people around the world. Thousands of you have spoken out against cruel attacks on transgender and queer youth with messages of love and support, and featuring these messages truly inspired our whole Southern Equality Studios community for the fight ahead.

2024 isn’t going to be easy, but we’re ready for it because of people like you, and important projects like this. LGBTQ+ people are resilient and when extremists target vulnerable members of our community, we’ll be ready to fight their hateful words with loud, proud messages of love and acceptance. If you’d like to see more vibrant LGBTQ+ art across the South while supporting trans and queer youth, donate to support our work today – all gifts up to $50,000 are matched through December 31.

I want to make sure you know the mural is for everyone, even if you aren’t in Asheville to see it. Stay you, stay proud, stay visible; we need you with us.

Thank you,
Liz Williams
She/They 
Director of Southern Equality Studios
Campaign for Southern Equality