Through the looking glass at the National Queer Arts Festival - 48 hills

"“It came from community feedback to our board about what's really feeling resonant right now,” Garcia said. “A lot of reflection has been happening, both for the organization itself as we near the 30th anniversary of the festival, and for our communities in general, as it's such a difficult time for marginalized groups.”"

"“We're really thinking about reflection as in engaging the wisdom of our elders, of people who have been through things like this before, and using mirrors as portals to imagine something new and bigger and better for ourselves. That's what all of our artists are doing this year.”"

"“deepen self-understanding through the mirror of the heavens and ancestral resonance as is reflected in astrological placements.” Guided meditation and stargazing, along with a sound bath immersion from 7000COILS, reclaim astrological systems erased by colonialism, much like indigenous queerness was erased."

"This year refreshes the approach, binding the fest's five events together with an esoteric poeticism. Things kick off with Sat/16's “ Black Astrology: As Above, So Below,” led by artist-astrologer Leah and astro-astrologist Revel, who aim to “deepen self-understanding through the mirror of the heavens and ancestral resonance as is reflected in astrological placements.”"

The National Queer Arts Festival theme “Magic Mirror” was selected through community feedback and connects with reflection as the festival approaches its 30th anniversary. Reflection is framed as engaging elders’ wisdom and using mirrors as portals to imagine something new and better for marginalized communities. The festival, produced by the Queer Cultural Center since 1998, anchors June’s Pride month with performances across comedy, theater, music, and magic. This year’s five events are linked by esoteric poeticism and mirror-based metaphors. “Black Astrology: As Above, So Below” combines astrology, guided meditation, stargazing, and a sound bath that reclaims astrological systems erased by colonialism. Other events extend the theme through interactive, immersive installations and live sound.

Read at 48 hills