This commission by Philly AIDS at Giovanni’s Room will forever be one of my favorite and most cherished collaborations. Giovanni’s Room is the oldest surviving queer and feminist bookstore in the United States. I’ve been a volunteer at the store since 2024 and I am so grateful for the trust they had in me to work with them on this project.

The original sign was painted in 1976. For 50 years it hanged in the window through moves, expansions, changes in ownership and administrations. It was a beacon of pride, acceptance, and safety across generations. Other queer spaces at the time were open at night, where patrons could only go under the cover of darkness. Giovanni’s Room stood open in the light of day saying, “We’re here. We won’t hide anymore.”

I thought about the history a lot while I worked on this project. Walking into my studio to see a cornerstone of queer history coming to life in front of my eyes was a deeply moving experience. The original sign now rests in the archives of the William Way LGBTQ+ Community Center. The replica hangs in the storefront window, hopefully to usher in many more years of queer and feminist celebration and empowerment.