Celebrate and Uplift the Marginalized History of LGBTQIA+ Rights in the United States.
The Rainbow Heroes Project consists of a series of nine interactive, pedestrian-level murals that will be installed throughout the City of Long Beach.
Each mural will portray a prominent figure from LGBTQIA+ history, highlighting their resilience and determination in advocating for rights and recognition.
To make the experience more immersive, visitors will be invited to stand beneath an adjacent rainbow and capture photographs.
By filling a significant gap in the sharing of our nation’s stories, this project will help educate present and future LGBTQIA+ individuals about the struggles endured by local LGBTQIA+ elders in their fight for equality.
A rendering of the Rainbow Heroes mural concept.
9 LGBTQIA+ ELDERS
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1. Angela Bowen
Our first featured LGBTQIA+ Elder is Angela Bowen. As an activist, dancer, educator, and artist, she made significant strides in advancing social justice and equality.
Angela’s work was particularly focused on advocating for the rights and representation of marginalized communities, including women, people of color, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
Through her activism and artistry, she challenged societal norms, fought against discrimination, and empowered individuals to embrace their true selves.
Call for Nominations
Do know any of the people who are part of LGBTQIA+ history? We are gathering stories, please share your memories with and of them and their impact on you or their impact on Long Beach.
Stand beside us as we write history on the walls of Long Beach
Call for Walls
Do you have an available wall or know someone who does? Long Beach property owners have the opportunity to partner with ArtsLB in bridging generations side-by-side as we uplift LGBTQIA+ history in Long Beach.
Walls must meet some criteria, including:
- Pedestrian-level
- 20 feet wide minimum
- 10 ft tall minimum
- Free of debris
- Flat surface (cement or stucco is okay)
Rainbow Heroes News & Events
Stand with ArtsLB
Rainbow Heroes Announcement Press Release
Download as a PDF
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