Generally, there are few things as depressing as a queer history tour – I’m a masochist so I love them but in the realm of LGBTQ+ history, serious and often somber narratives dominate. Two lesbian artists in Philly, Juno Rosenhaus and Beth Schindler, are challenging this traditional approach, bringing a lighthearted and playful perspective to the past. Their project, the Lesbian Mapping Project, is a whimsical exploration of everyday queer experiences, transforming ordinary moments into historical markers.
Rosenhaus, the founder of West Philadelphia’s Dyke + ArtHaus, and Schindler, a Texas-based artist, were inspired by the often-overlooked humorous side of queer history. “Everything is always so earnest, so serious, so life and death,” Schindler told The Philadelphia Inquirer. “The truth of the matter is that being gay is really ridiculous. Being gay is really fun and funny.”
Schindler’s journey to Philadelphia began with a residency at Dyke + ArtHaus, a unique space in West Philadelphia offering self-directed residencies for queer artists. Dyke + ArtHaus provides a welcoming and supportive environment for artists to focus on their work, offering flexible stays ranging from a weekend to several weeks. With cozy amenities like a parlor, kitchen, dining room, backyard, and classic front porch, artists can feel at home while exploring their creativity.
The organization also encourages residents to engage with the local community through workshops and readings. Operating on a pay-what-you-can donation model, Dyke + ArtHaus aims to make art accessible to all, inviting artists to “take the break you need to focus on your art away from your usual distractions.” Surrounded by Philly’s vibrant art scene, with its museums, galleries, bookstores, and parks, Schindler found the perfect setting to nurture her artistic vision and ultimately, to give birth to the Lesbian Mapping Project.
While exploring Philly’s gay archives and the LGBT Mapping Project, she noticed a recurring theme of violence and oppression. While acknowledging the importance of these historical events, she felt a need to counterbalance the somber narrative with a more joyful perspective. At the center of the project is lesbian visibility with a bit of levity.
The project began with posters plastered around West Philadelphia and the city’s Gayborhood, documenting personal queer experiences. Initially, the posters reflected Schindler’s own life, such as “When An Older Femme Realized She Couldn’t Wear Heels Anymore. It Was Fine!!! She Didn’t Go Out That Much Anyway.”
As the project gained traction online, Schindler opened it up to submissions from other queer individuals. The resulting posters captured a wide range of humorous and poignant moments, from missed encounters to shared laughter.
“Any one of those things could have taken place in any corner of the world,” said Rosenhaus. “These are the fun and intimate real-life things that have happened to so many of us.”
The Lesbian Mapping Project encourages everyone to participate, whether by creating their own designs or posting existing ones in their communities. Posters have already been spotted around the world, from NYC to Berlin.
By celebrating the everyday joys and quirks of queer life, the Lesbian Mapping Project is redefining the way we think about LGBTQ+ history. It’s a reminder that history is not just about grand events and heroic figures, but also about the countless small moments that shape our lives.
