Building Queer Utopia: A Framework for Collectivity & Creativity

A critical or queer utopia is a space where we can dream radically different potentialities than those dictated to us by the myriad oppressions of daily life. Beyond glimpsing alternative futures, collective spaces, such as hybrid art-social events, centre desire, joy, and curiosity. They can also create room for different modes of being in the world and room to breathe. Although this world is neither utopic nor queer in many regards, it is still possible to make pockets that are both in the here and now, if only fleetingly. I believe queer people are actively fostering such spaces within their intimate social circles and beyond. This experimental research project combines queer theory, qualitative interview data, and the process of making art in group settings to understand how and why 2S/LGBTQIA+ student artists use their creative practices to explore the self and build community. It also offers a foundational framework for future projects in this area—academic, creative, sociopolitical, or a combination thereof. I designed an open-access zine to document the workshop guide, artwork and stories by myself and participants, interview excerpts addressing desirable futures, and some reflections on the project.