Want to see yourself on Colfax? The Colfax Ave Business Improvement District (BID), YouthSeen, Black Pride Colorado, and photographer Eboni Bonée Coleman of EB Pixs announced the launch of Joy of Pride, a photography-based art installation coming to Colfax Avenue this summer.
Nominations are now open for individuals to share their stories of pride, joy, strength, and belonging in their daily lives and be featured on one of 17 power boxes along the Colfax Ave corridor. The project aims to amplify the diverse voices and faces of the local LGBTQ+ community as part of an exciting new effort to establish Denver’s first Queer Cultural District.
“In a time where marginalized voices are often silenced or overlooked, it’s more important than ever to showcase the diverse stories and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community,” said Tyrell Rae Donaldson, Program Manager for YouthSeen and Black Pride Colorado. “Through Joy of Pride, we aim to create a public space where the narratives of our community can be seen, heard, and celebrated.”
Selected nominees will participate in a photoshoot with Eboni of EB Pixs and have their photo and story featured in a full vinyl wrap on power boxes along Colfax between Grant and Josephine Streets this summer. The project welcomes self-nominations and especially encourages nominees from the Queer Youth, Transgender, and Nonbinary communities.
“Photography and multimedia have always been powerful tools to share stories and capture moments that can change hearts and minds,” said Eboni Boneé Coleman of EB Pixs. “As a Black Queer woman and creative, I’m excited to use my lens to showcase the beauty and strength of our LGBTQ+ community in Denver.”
Nominees must live or work in the Denver Metro area, be willing to have their photo and quote featured, and be available for a photoshoot in Denver between May 11-14. Nominations are due on Friday, May 5th, 2023. You can submit your nomination here: https://bit.ly/40zfJZd
About the Project Partners
Eboni Boneé Coleman (EB) is a multimedia artist and creative who focuses on contextualizing the lived experiences of her community as a Black queer woman. With a keen eye for the subtle details of her environment, EB ’s work has been featured in various publications locally and nationally, including but not limited to, Blavity, Westword, The Denver Post, OutFront Magazine and 9 News.
YouthSeen is an organization that works with Queer youth as well as adults with mental health and wellness. Black Pride Colorado is a program powered by YouthSeen that was created to celebrate, liberate, and engage our Black LGBTQIA2+ community by building resilience, honor and preserving our history and culture.
The Colfax Ave Business Improvement District (BID) works to build a dynamic and inclusive community along the Colfax corridor. Through increased marketing and visibility, cleaner and safer streets, streetscape improvements, and partnerships with various City agencies and community groups, the BID works to maintain Colfax’s unique character while attending to the evolving needs of the commercial district.
The Queer Community Cultural District of Denver is a registered 501(c)(3) in the State of Colorado and a bourgeoning grass-roots effort to establish Denver and Colorado’s first cultural district honoring the LGBTQIA2S+ community.