We’ve seen major corporation after major corporation backpedal on their Pride displays. While these shifts are disheartening, and in some cases send the message that LGBTQ people aren’t safe in these spaces, we need to remember that Pride is a riot. These celebrations began as resistance, and those roots remain at the core.

"Pride is a Riot” was made using discarded SF Pride Parade balloons wrapped around pieces of plexiglass and mounted to a painting of a figure chucking a brick. The work is meant to recognize righteous rage so many of our queer and trans community are feeling amidst increased attacks. The central figure stands alone, breaking through the colorful display, to say that we don’t need rainbow logos that lack real action.

"Pride is a Riot” by Alma Landeta is part of “What Remains,” an exhibition and fundraiser that opened Friday, August 4th 5-8pm at Schlomer Haus Gallery in partnership with VB+P.

“What Remains” also features original artwork by Monica Canilao, Jamil Hellu, Alexander Hernandez, Jason Mecier, Marcel Pardo Ariza, Leonard Reidelbach, Nat Saia, Nicole Shaffer and Jun Yang. Each of their original pieces uses discarded remnants of the SF Pride Parade and will be available for sale beginning on August 4th at the gallery and via online auction.

100% of the auction proceeds benefited Queer LifeSpace, a SF-based mental health organization providing training and counseling for queer people, by queer people.