Sylvia Rivera

One Iowa

projecting Pride

On June 28, 2020, when a small crew gathered on the roof of a parking garage, it felt like the perfect way to celebrate the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The riots were led by Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Riveria, and numerous other BIPOC transgender women from June 28 – July 3, 1969. This uprising propelled the gay liberation movement forward.

Working with local Des Moines artist Robert Moore’s concept of a silent protest, photos were compiled of LGBTQ Black, Indigenous, and POC of the past and present to be broadcast on a building in downtown Des Moines for all to see. As the images flooded the blank canvas, it was an incredible reminder of the shoulders of giants we stand on, all of the times that our voices have been silenced, and the power of people in this movement. We are reminded that Pride started as a protest, and our sheer existence continues to be a radical act of love.

Special thanks to Jami Milne for capturing this work, and especially to Robert for sharing his vision and his continued effort to lift up silenced voices. Please check out his project, Harvesting Humanity, a silent protest in Rural America.

Wewha
Vana B. Rosenberg
Tyona Diamond
Trigga Frost Sanchex-Matrix
Tony Khuth
Tah-Di Fierro-Rodriguez
Sylvia Rivera
Sonia Reyes

Sister-Frieda-Peoples

Sarah Parker
Rylan Beaman
Robin Graves
Reyma McCoy McDeid
Osh-Tisch
Moms Mabley
Marsha P. Johnson
Marlu Abarca
Madison Ray
Kelly Quinn
Joey Patino

Destinee Woodris

Jarrel Johnson
James Baldwin
Jade Knight
Ethel Waters
Courtney Reyes
Buffy Jamison
Bessie Smith
Bayard Rustin
Audre Lorde
Ariana Smith
Photographed by Ryan Coit
Alexandra Gray photographed by Ryan Coit