Am I Queer Enough?

This is a question I hear at least once a week, from both within and outside the LGBTQIA++ community. It’s a question that often reflects the pressures we face—internally and externally—to define and validate ourselves.

When I started this project, it was born from my own doubts. I didn’t feel Queer enough when I compared myself to the dominant narratives and aesthetics labeled as "Queer Art." Much of what I saw felt tied to a specific legacy—the bold, defiant imagery of the AIDS crisis, when we fought for our very lives, claiming our rights to Queer sex and love. Today, a different dominance emerges: an aesthetic often tied to drag culture or flamboyant presentations, which, while beautiful and vital, don’t encompass the breadth of our identities and stories.

Our community is as diverse as it is vast. That’s why I created The Bureau of Queer Art—to offer a safe space for the full spectrum of Queer expression, and to welcome our allies who champion our visibility. To me, Queer isn’t just about identity; it’s about needing a refuge from the systems that so often exclude us. The algorithm sidelines us. Galleries decide we don’t fit into their commercial ideals. And as a result, many Queer artists and allies operate with painfully low visibility.

At TBQA, we believe this: If you say you’re Queer, that is enough. If being part of this community feels like it could open doors for you, or help you break barriers in your studio practice, that is enough. We don’t ask anyone to publicly justify their place here. There is no test, no litmus, no gatekeeping.

Because Queer isn’t about proving yourself—it’s about being yourself.

Global Participation: Open to artists of all nationalities and from any geographical location. An internet connection and a passion for art are the key requirements.

Diverse Artistic Disciplines: Welcoming artists from a wide range of disciplines including visual arts, performance, writing, and filmmaking. Our program values the diversity and richness that various art forms bring to our community.

Emerging and Established Artists: Both emerging and established artists are encouraged to apply. We look for individuals who show a strong commitment to their artistic practice.

Studio Practice Dedication:
Ideal for artists who are dedicated to maintaining a studio practice, even amidst the time constraints of a full and busy life. Our program recognizes the challenges of balancing artistic pursuits with other responsibilities and aims to support artists in this endeavor

Crucially
We welcome artists who show great promise for active participation within queer and artistic circles, particularly those who are eager to both contribute to and grow from the collaborative dynamics of our community.

Filling Out the Application Form: Begin your artistic journey with us by thoughtfully completing the application form.

Applicants submit proposals for the projects they are passionate about pursuing during their tenure. They convene weekly with their mentors to review advancements and refine their approaches.

Submission of Your CV and Portfolio: We have created a google form that allows you to submit the required materials.

Next Steps
We will review your application and contact you within 30 days of your completed application date.

Artists applying for residency meet weekly over a set period to collaboratively address critical issues that influence their creative and professional growth, fostering an interdisciplinary dialogue.

Tuesdays- February 25 to May 9th Queer & Allied Summer Voices - Mexican Institute of Culture Washington D.C. & MAP Baltimore, MD

Wednesdays -February 26 to May 10th Queer & Allied Summer Voices - Mexican Institute of Culture Washington D.C. & MAP Baltimore, MD

Wednesdays - July 8th to September 16th, 2025
TBQA’s 5th annual group show for Dia de los Muertos themes. To be presented with Secretary of Culture CDMX.

Wednesdays - July 9th to September 17th, 2025

Our artist residency program, passionately dedicated to queer and queer-allied artists, is eagerly preparing for a momentous occasion: our participation in the 6th Annual Summer Pride show. This year's residency is especially designed to culminate in an expressive and impactful exhibition, celebrating the themes and essence of Pride. We warmly invite artists who identify as queer or are allies of the queer community to join us in this creative endeavor.

While we aspire to offer all these invaluable opportunities at no cost to the artists, the reality of achieving this is quite challenging. However, our residency program stands out by offering high levels of engagement and diverse exhibition opportunities at a fraction of the cost of traditional residency programs, which often have more limited outcomes.

We provide artists with a vibrant connection to an active creative studio arts community, emphasizing exposure across multiple platforms such as publishing, podcasts, group and solo exhibitions, both online and in physical spaces like Mexico City, Mexico, and other partner locations.

Our commitment is to empower artists by offering these extensive opportunities, ensuring their voices are heard and their work is seen in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Please note we offer a 10% discount to returning artists.

11 session - Tuesdays October 15 to January 14th 6 PM to 7:30 PM CST Art Week CDMX 2025

11 session - Wednesdays October 16 to January 15th 6 PM to 7:30 PM CST Art Week CDMX 2025

12000 Pesos (please note payment is in MXN currency due to wild fluctuations in the value of the USD. Please note this session’s artists also receive 2 private consultations to be used during the residency span. Participation in art fairs will require additional funds for shared costs.

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11 sessions -Tuesdays- February 25 to May 9th Queer Summer Allied Voices - Mexican Institute of Culture Washington D.C. & MAP Baltimore, MD

11 sessions - Wednesdays -February 26 to May 10th Queer Summer Allied Voices - Mexican Institute of Culture Washington D.C. & MAP Baltimore, MD

12000 Pesos (please note payment is in MXN currency due to wild fluctuations in the value of the USD. Please note this session’s artists also receive 2 private consultations to be used during the residency span.

Resident Benefits
The Bureau of Queer Art is committed to supporting the development of our artists by offering opportunities that enhance their professional studio practice and exhibition experience. The following benefits are designed to offset costs while providing significant exposure and opportunities for growth within our community.

1. Artsy Group Exhibition

• Residency Artists: All residency artists are granted inclusion in the group exhibition on Artsy with no associated fee, providing significant visibility on an international platform.

• Non-Residency Artists: Non-residency artists can participate for a fee of $20 USD, providing access to a wide audience and potential collectors.

2. Artsy Solo Exhibition

• Residency Artists: Residency artists may be considered for a free 60-day solo exhibition on Artsy. This exhibition spotlights the artist's work on a highly visible platform.

• Non-Residency Artists: The fee for non-residency artists to host for a solo exhibition is $75 USD.

3. The Bureau of Queer Art Publication

• Group Exhibition Profile: Each artist in the group exhibition will have a 2-page profile in The Bureau of Queer Art publication at no additional cost.

• Feature-Length Publication: For a 2-6 page feature, including an interview and potential podcast inclusion, non-residency artists may opt in for $50 USD. Residency artists receive this feature at no cost.

• Print Magazine Copies: Artists may purchase one copy of the magazine at cost ($20 to $35 USD), with additional copies available at full price.

4. Commission Structure
   Our commission structure balances the financial responsibilities between the gallery and the artist to ensure fair compensation for all parties.

• Group Show Commission for Artsy Sales (Non-Residency)

  • 19% to Artsy

  • 31% to The Bureau of Queer Art

  • 50% to the Artist

• Artists Opting for Paid Features or Solo Exhibitions (Non-Residency)

  • 19% to Artsy

  • 26% to The Bureau of Queer Art

  • 55% to the Artist

• Current Residency Artists: 

  • 19% to Artsy

  • 21% to The Bureau of Queer Art

  • 60% to the Artist

5. Patreon Membership Reimbursement

• Residency artists who are members of the Patreon community at the $5 USD monthly membership level will have this amount credited back to them in the form of reduced exhibition fees. This benefit rewards artists for supporting The Bureau of Queer Art while reducing their costs for participating in exhibitions.

6. Curatorial Support & Mentorship

• Residency artists will receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced curators and arts professionals. This mentorship includes personalized feedback, guidance on exhibition planning, and advice on developing artist statements, CVs, and portfolios.

7. Artist Networking & Community Building

• Residency artists gain access to a network of queer and queer-allied contemporary artists. This network fosters collaboration, exchange of ideas, and peer feedback, helping artists build meaningful relationships for future projects and exhibitions.

8. Podcast Feature Opportunity

Residency artists may be featured on The Bureau of Queer Art's podcast, offering an additional platform to share their artistic journey, process, and concepts with a wider audience.