Welcome!

If you haven’t been to Queer A.F. lately, let me tell you honey, we’ve been busy! Our boutique has its largest roster of artists to date, we are hosting more events than ever, and our space has never been more activated or more necessary. And yet, we are living in the most difficult of times, for our business and, most importantly, for the community we serve.

To face the challenges of this critical moment in our shared history, your donation is essential to the future of Queer Arts Featured. 

At a time when social connection is actively diminished and safe spaces for queer folks are rapidly disappearing, all of our events remain accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay.

Despite universally rising costs and the economically driven reduction in our sales, we are steadfast in maintaining our below market sales commission (25%-35%), ensuring our artists do not shoulder the burden. 

Government grants and public arts funding simply aren’t keeping pace with the need. Most programs are increasingly competitive, restrictive, and unpredictable; especially for small organizations like ours. 

In short, we rely on the generosity of our supporters and allies to maintain the health and accessibility of Queer A.F. 

Your contribution gives us the stability and flexibility to continue offering what is so desperately needed right now:

• Allow under-resourced artists to exhibit without prohibitive rental or overhead expenses

• Cover entrance fees for low income attendees to our events centering underrepresented Queer folks across the spectrum, especially those who are Trans, BIPOC, and those with disabilities

• Keep a safe, social space open and thriving for intergenerational community and creativity that does not center on alcohol, like our weekly coworking and skillsharing event, monthly literary salon, clothing swap, and unconventional art workshops, among many others

• Employ under-resourced Bay Area residents who keep Queer A.F. open, active, and thriving

• Maintain the historic Castro Camera storefront as a living evolution of Harvey Milk’s legacy that supports both locals and visitors from around the world
  

When Milk opened Castro Camera in 1972, he created more than a camera store. 575 Castro St. became the center of San Francisco’s Gay Liberation Movement and, in turn, a sanctuary where gay people could be seen, supported, and connected with each other.

As the stewards of that landmark space today, we carry his legacy forward by empowering local queer artists to create, connect, and claim their own space in history.

When we began as a six month popup in 2022, our mission centered on inclusivity, especially for folks that are historically underrepresented in the daily life of The Castro. More than three years later, our boutique, gallery, and thriving event space still honors that mission and has grown into an epicenter of safety and radical self expression for Queer people in the heart of the neighborhood.

Every dollar you give makes the future of Queer Arts Featured shine a little brighter. We are a space of resilience, art, and queer joy that refuses to fade. 

Donate now and join the visionary community keeping this beacon alive.

Thank you for believing in the power of queer art and community, and for helping us continue the story Harvey began over fifty years ago.

On December 11, we kindly request your presence at this year’s Winter Gala: Honor the Past, Celebrate the Present, and Create the Future.  Please join us at Queer Arts Featured from 6pm-9pm, and help us ensure that our future is one where inclusion, access, and creativity continue to be created, honored, and celebrated. 

With gratitude,

Devlin Shand & The Queer A.F. Family 💕