Erica Sherkin
Contributing Writer
On Oct. 12, a celebration of art and identity took place. Put on by the Arts Fund Community Gallery, the Santa Barbara Transgender Advocacy Network (SBTAN) presented the “Spectrum of Identity Art Show: Celebrating Trans and Neurodivergent Artists.”
The art show, whose art is on display through Nov. 1, spotlighted artists in the Santa Barbara and Ventura community, bringing together different mediums of art to not just display the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent experiences, but also those of the human condition. The collection includes paintings, poetry, collages, digital art, photographs, animation renderings, and even works of electronic art. Some of the art is for sale, bringing income to a community where it is statistically harder to make an income than cisgendered people.
In an interview with The Bottom Line (TBL), Kai Roldan, curator of the exhibition and SBTAN board member, spoke of how community members could address the needs of the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent community in Santa Barbara and Ventura County: “[There is a need for people] to do the personal work of understanding gender constructs … individuals can make an impact by learning about trans people and understanding their experiences.”
Alice Fulmer, an artist whose work is featured in the exhibition, also commented on these needs: “[Trans and neurodivergent peoples] need to know who their friends are … [we] need to know who is going to advocate for us on a human playing field.” Sage Maas, another artist whose poems are also presented in the exhibition, noted: “[The LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent community] is much bigger than an organization … Santa Barbara is a very interesting, transient place, and I wish there were places in Santa Barbara that felt safer [for this community.]”
Significantly notable was the evening of the gallery opening, which according to Roldan, “[Was held] in a pristine looking gallery … which was important to elevate these artists and make them feel they deserve to be here.” The intimate gallery opening was attended by 50+ people, sharing the mission of SBTAN through art and poetry. Fulmer also spoke highly of the gallery opening: “[The turnout] was really reassuring … seeing the audience’s reaction to [the art] made me hunger for that warmth.”
Another important aspect of the show was highlighting the work allies can do to help the experiences of LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent people in the wider Santa Barbara and Ventura area. Fulmer suggested spaces for community dialogues to take place: “[There is an] opportunity before the election to have community dialogues and community needs — [this can show us] how communities can support each other.” Maas also remarked on this need: “[UC Santa Barbara] is the first time you have freedom to explore your identity … sit, talk and be there for each other; [the best thing] is caring for other students on their journey.”
Likewise, Roldan commented on the importance of “going to events where trans people are, [like] pride and drag shows … also being immersed in the culture and speaking up on social media, sharing experiences online, vote, pay attention to what is happening to trans people nationally.”
The remarkable gallery opening by SBTAN, as well as the powerful mediums of art that are on display, celebrates the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent community in Santa Barbara as well as around the world. But the poignancy of the artists and the hosts reminds us that there is still work to be done and communities to advocate for.