Written by Natasha Gural. Published on June 6, 2024 by Forbes
Throughout art history, a wide array of artists have subverted the social norms of their time by creating new forms of expression. Overt representations of queer love and identities are evident across centuries, with depictions of male homosexual intercourse in Mesolithic rock art in Sicily, and dual-sexed or third gender figures in Neolithic and Bronze Age drawings and figurines from the Mediterranean area. Embracing the queer art and LBGTQ artists living in our lifetime is especially critical for amplifying the narrative that has always been a foundational thread of human existence.
Here are three unique ways to celebrate Pride Month in the nation’s art capital:
Spend A Fabulous Night In A Suite Championing Pop Art Visionary Richard Bernstein
Immerse yourself in the technicolor splendor of Bernstein, best known for his covers of Andy Warhol’s Interview Magazine and his Po Gods portraits at The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. The artist’s estate has partnered with the luxury hotel giant to offer a singular journey into his legacy. Bernstein, who died on October 18, 2002 of complications of AIDS at his apartment at the Hotel Chelsea, his home since the early 1960s, was ubiquitous in Warhol’s intimate, glittery circle at legendary New York counter-culture venues such as Max’s Kansas City and Studio 54.
“This collaboration is an incredible tribute to my uncle Richard Bernstein’s captivating spirit. He was unapologetically himself and through his art he brought this spirit out in his subjects which is why we felt the work of the Tyler Clementi Foundation would be a perfect way to honor him and support the cultural and artistic queer landscape today,” said Rory Trifon, President of The Estate of Richard Bernstein.
The Richard Bernstein Suite features some of Bernstein’s most prominent works, such as Radiance from his gem series,the luscious, savagely saccharine Rainbow Jello Heart, and Grace Jones, the portrait created for the Jamaican singer’s 1977 debut studio album Portfolio, the first of three disco albums produced by Tom Moulton.
The eclectic package includes the Richard Bernstein In-Room Dining Menu, drawing from the artist’s equal embrace of Champagne and caviar and typical American childhood comfort foods, such as his sister’s roast chicken and Jell-O heart pastries inspired by his mom’s Jell-O. Marvel at the Pop Art inspired floral arrangements featuring gerbera daisies by FLOWERBX, relax in a Ritz-Carlton robe embroidered with Richard Bernstein’s signature, pore over a copy of the Rizzoli coffee table book, Richard Bernstein Starmaker: Andy Warhol’s Cover Artist, listen to a curated playlist and indulge in a bottle of Dom Perignon Vintage 2012. Available throughout June, the suite starts at $6,000 per night.
Take A Historical Deep Dive Into The Lives And Impact Of Two Influential LGBTQ+ Activists
Owned by Tyler Clementi (1991–2010); manufactured by Roderich Paesold (Buebenreuth, Germany, est.
PHOTO: GLENN CASTELLANO, NEW-YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY
For a daytime journey without a big budget, visit the New-York Historical Society to view the violin of Clementi, whose 2010 suicide inspired anti-bullying movements, and the military uniform of early LGBTQ+ rights activist Frank Kameny. Both objects will be on public display beginning with a special event on June 14.“Though they were born many decades apart, Frank Kameny and Tyler Clementi both faced discrimination and prejudice, a reminder that the quest for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community is ongoing,” said Louise Mirrer, president and CEO of New-York Historical.
Clementi, a childhood prodigy who grew up in New Jersey, began playing violin at age 7 and was one of two freshmen accepted into the Rutgers University graduate school orchestra in 2010. While at Rutgers, his roommate violated his privacy by sharing images of Clementi and another man in their dorm room. A few days later, Clementi killed himself at age 18. His death, along with the suicides of other young gay individuals, motivated the It Gets Better Project, which strives to uplift, empower, and connect LGBTQ+ youth around the world. The Tyler Clementi Foundation works to protect vulnerable populations, especially LGBTQ+ communities and others facing hostile social environments.
“By having Tyler’s violin on display we are hoping that Tyler’s story will continue to foster healthy conversations around the difficult topics of mental health, including bullying, depression, and suicide. And help to inspire and change social norms, pushing issues of inclusion, equality, respect, kindness, and compassion to be a cultural standard rather than the exception, something that was too slow in coming for Tyler, but something we are still looking to see implemented now, before any other Tylers are harmed,” said Jane Clementi, Tyler’s mom and co-founder and CEO of the Tyler Clementi Foundation.
Kameny, born in New York City in 1925, served in the U.S. Army in Europe during World War II, earned a PhD in astronomy, and became an astronomer with the Army Map Service in 1957. He was fired when his superiors discovered he had previously been accused of “lewd and indecent acts,” a charge that was often used to force gay men out of government service jobs. Kameny quickly appealed to federal courts and lost twice, and when his case reached the Supreme Court in 1960, he argued that the government had no business declaring homosexuality as immoral. The Court wouldn’t review his claim (accessible in full in the National Archives Catalog), but Kameny’s challenge became the Supreme Court’s first civil rights claim based on sexual orientation.
“Frank was one of the most noteworthy pioneers, a determined conscious leader of the LGBTQ+ rights movement,” said Mitchell Gold, a friend of Kameny’s who helped with the installation.
Alter Your Mood With Experimental Techno At The National Arts Club
Join DJ and producer x3butterfly and writer Jenn Pelly this Friday, June 7, at 8:00 p.m. for an adventure in experimental techno. Learn about the genre of electronic music that combines elements of techno, industrial and experimental music, featuring abstract and chaotic soundscapes, complex rhythms and heavily distorted and processed sounds, with a discussion of music and technology, followed by a musical performance. Detroit native x3butterfly’s raw, club-infused sound has been showcased at New York venues such as Basement, Elsewhere, Nowadays, and their current residency at Paragon. Pelly is the author of The Raincoats, an homage to the British, post-punk, all-female band of the same name, and a contributor to publications like Pitchfork, The New York Times, and NPR. Secure your free spot now.