Trans Parenthood, Black Design, and Harlem’s Revival: A Celebration of Identity and Art

President-elect Trump has, historically, sent shockwaves throughout the transgender community. His promises to enact policies such as limiting gender-affirming care and eliminating the gender-neutral “X” marker on federal identity documents such as passports have caused many trans people and allies to worry about the state of their rights. And yet, some trans people, such as rapper Ms. Boogie, continue to push past such fears and embrace new chapters in their lives, such as parenthood. 

At The Shed’s 2024 Gala, Ms. Boogie–who identifies as a Black trans woman–shared how adopting a child shortly after the debut of her one-night-only show at The Shed earlier this year made her want to be a visible example of trans-parenthood. According to a 2020 report by the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law, an estimated 19% of transgender adults in the U.S. are parents. 

“For my community, it means the world,” she said. “I want us to know that we are capable of nurturing, we are capable of caring for life, building life and being part of people’s lives in the most pure way possible…It’s not the light we’re seen in. But we have to shine the light on ourselves. So motherhood is possible.”

At the gala, held on November 19, the topics of discussion covered vast ground, from trans parenthood to the resurrection of a nearly forty-year-old art experience. In addition to performances by Ms. Boogie and Kenneth Branagh and a presentation of The Disruptor Award to Dan Doctoroff, the gala featured the debut of Luna Luna: Forgotten Fantasy. Billed as “the world’s first art amusement park,” the visual spectacle was envisioned by artist André Heller. 

In 1987, Heller opened Luna Luna in Hamburg, Germany, as a fairground featuring works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Sonia Delaunay, Salvador Dalí, Keith Haring, and more. After that initial showing, the works were not seen again for 36 years as they sat in storage in Texas.

Fortunately, after a successful resurgence at a 2023 exhibition in Los Angeles, the works are now on view yet again at The Shed and formed the centerpiece of the gala, leaving attendees mesmerized. Highlights include Basquiat’s provocative painted Ferris wheel with images and text addressing racial segregation and slavery; Kenny Scharf’s whimsical painted chair swing ride replete with his signature cartoon figures; and Daniel Spoerri’s witty Crap Chancellery on the topics of consumption, food, and uhm, human waste.

Investing in Black creatives at Salon Art + Design 

From November 7 to 11, the 13th edition of Salon Art + Design made history, with a record-setting 12,000 guests (according to the Salon) attending the fair. Attendees were treated to a dazzling array of art, installations, design, and jewelry presented by 54 exhibiting galleries. The fair, which has been vocal about its mission to give greater visibility to more artists, featured an exhibition presented by Black Folks in Design (BFiD) in collaboration with Verso.

One of the artists on display was Shoshanna Weinberger, who shared her excitement at being included in the BFiD booth for its inclusivity both in terms of race and creative practice. “I love this whole booth because it’s showcasing people of color and designers of color, and for me to be part of that is amazing,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see my work connected to functionality. And also to see furniture and design as art and how they relate to one another–breaking down those barriers.”

Little Wing Lee, BFiD founder and the creative director/principal of her own interior design company, Studio & Projects, shared her ideas on further breaking down barriers for Black designers, particularly as it pertains to funding within the industry. “I think it’s [about] more capital investment. So, having the funds to pay to have a prototype made of a design that you’re thinking about. I think the money can give designers that time to iterate, design, and produce beautiful work,” she explained. “I think the funding could come from larger corporations…large furniture manufacturers who could offer grants investing in smaller firms and designers to help the industry grow.”

The National Urban League plans to return to Harlem

The National Urban League (NUL) had a lot to celebrate on November 12 at its 68th Equal Opportunity Dinner, and attendees did so in a non-traditional style. The dress code called for Hollywood glam but with sneakers, which had everyone eyeing each other’s kicks to see who brought their top footwear game. The evening’s list of celebrations included honoring Charles J. Hamilton, Jr., Harry E. Johnson, Sr., and Thomas J. Reid; a successful year providing services to four million people for college preparatory work, homeownership, criminal justice reform and restoration, and getting out the vote initiatives; and a planned return to Harlem. 

Founded in 1910 in Harlem, the organization’s headquarters are now in Lower Manhattan. But that will soon change as NUL returns to Harlem in a new mixed-use development that will include offices, affordable housing, and New York City’s first civil rights museum with an emphasis on the movement in the North. The project’s completion date is still to be announced. 

In an interview earlier this year with the NY Times, Marc H. Morial, president of NUL, shared his vision for this $250 million project, stating, “When we began to think about where we wanted to locate and whether we wanted to buy or build, Harlem was always my first choice because it was where we were born,” he said. “But also because office space is more than a place to work for a mission-driven organization. It’s about being part of a community. It’s about having an impact. It’s about working with partners and others you are symbiotic with.”  

Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York also attended the gala and shared her excitement for the new facilities, which the state invested $10 million dollars into. “It wasn’t just office space. They had the vision to say we can do…so much more than just a building,” she said. “It’s a gathering place, a place of opportunity, and a testament to this organization’s fortitude and mission.”

Later in the program, R&B singer-songwriter Raheem DeVaughn entertained the crowd with a rousing set that got the audience on their feet dancing. Fortunately, just about everyone had on sneakers and could groove with ease during a celebratory night for NUL.

The column, On the “A” w/Souleo, covers the intersection of the arts, culture, entertainment, and philanthropy in Harlem and beyond and is written by Souleo.