soft defiance
Exploring the intersection of softness and queer mental health
soft defiance
about
How can we remain soft in a hard world? What is gained by refusing to “toughen up”?
Resisting negativity and hatred is a constant uphill battle for many historically marginalized queer and trans communities that require a firm commitment to centering one’s own mental health and wellness. soft defiance is a celebration of this commitment to our sustained emotional and spiritual well-being.
In 2023, Diamond Wave partnered with Harvey Milk Center for the Arts and Photo Center (HMCA) and LGBTQIA+ mental health service provider Queer LifeSpace (QLS) on a new project exploring the intersection of softness and queer mental health: soft defiance.
Programming for soft defiance included a visual arts exhibition at Harvey Milk Photo Center Gallery as well as exhibition events, performances, and workshops. Revisit the full lineup below!
events overview
All soft defiance events took place at Harvey Milk Center for the Arts, located adjacent to Duboce Park at 50 Scott St, San Francisco, CA 94117.
soft defiance Exhibition Opening
+ Performance
Saturday, June 17
6 - 9 PM
soft defiance Exhibition
Saturday, July 15
12–5pm
Saturday, July 15
1-3pm
June 17–July 15
The Art of Healing soft defiance Artist + Curator Talk
Friday, June 30
6–8pm
Healing Masculinities Workshop
Tuesday, July 11
5:30–7:30pm