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

___

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.

Nominate a Rainbow Hero

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)
Nominate a Wall

Rainbow Heroes News & Events

Open Conversations

Open Conversations

Join ARTSLB in a conversation with The Center Long Beach. The theme, “Queer Elders Stories in LBC” - is a convening space provided for elders in our community to share their experiences and thoughts about current issues they are facing.
Learn More
Stand with ArtsLB

Stand with ArtsLB

Today, in partnership with Elders Rising and Long Beach Historical Society, the Arts Council for Long Beach (ArtsLB) announced a new citywide public arts program, Rainbow Heroes. This groundbreaking initiative focuses on telling the stories of LGBTQIA+ Elders through interactive murals that will be placed in all nine (9) City Council Districts. The first honoree will be Dr. Angela Bowen."
Learn More
The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen

The Passionate Pursuits of Angela Bowen

Written and Directed by Angela’s wife Dr. Jennier Abod, this movie is a powerful story about the life of Angela Bowen, a black lesbian feminist activist who grew up in inner city Boston during the Jim Crow era. Despite the many obstacles she ...
Learn More

Rainbow Heroes Announcement Press Release

Download as a PDF

Get Updates About the Rainbow Heroes Public Art Project

Sign up for Rainbow Hero updates to get an email when we make announcements, host events, and more.