Pride and Joy
June is LGBTQ Pride Month—a time for remembering pioneers, commemorating sacrifices, and saluting the spirit of progress that has made civil rights for the queer community a worldwide cause.
It’s also a time to party. And while the slew of Pride parades around the world may be suspended this year, we thought we’d look to The Met collection to celebrate the spirit of Pride through art. We hope this artwork-inspired checklist helps you channel your own spirit of proud individuality, this month and every month.
1. Dress to impress.
Sandals. Salvatore Ferragamo (Italian, 1898–1960). Leather, cork; 1938. Gift of Salvatore Ferragamo, 1973 (1973.282.2)
2. Remember the elders.
From left: Oscar Wilde. Napoleon Sarony (American [born Canada], 1821–1896). Albumen silver print, 12 x 7 1/4 in., 1882. Gilman Collection, Purchase, Ann Tenenbaum and Thomas H. Lee Gift, 2005 (2005.100.120). Walt Whitman. John White Alexander (American, 1856–1915). Oil on canvas, 50 x 40 in., 1889. Gift of Mrs. Jeremiah Milbank, 1891 (91.18). Jean Cocteau. George Platt Lynes (American, 1907–1955). Gelatin silver print, 13 7/16 x 10 9/16 in., ca. 1937. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Lynes, 1983 (1983.1160.10). © Estate of George Platt Lynes
3. Blow your own horn.
Circus Sideshow. Georges Seurat (French, 1859–1891). Oil on canvas, 39 1/4 x 59 in., 1887–88. Bequest of Stephen C. Clark, 1960 (61.101.17)
4. Strut your stuff.
Here Comes the Parade. Lou Barlow (American, 1908–2011). Published by the WPA. Wood engraving, block 6 x 8 in., 1935–43. Gift of New York City WPA, 1943 (43.33.18)
5. Don’t hesitate to bare it all.
Sight (one of a pair). Chelsea Porcelain Manufactory, Modeled by Joseph Willems (Flemish, 1716–1766). Soft-paste porcelain with enamel decoration and gilding; H: 11 1/8 in., ca. 1755. Bequest of John L. Cadwalader, 1914 (14.58.117)
6. Stand out in the crowd.
Gallery view of Camp: Notes on Fashion (2019).
7. And most importantly… be yourself.
From everyone at The Met: Happy Pride!!
