the facilitators
Brought together in the UNM course, Curatorial Activism; albuQUEERque is a creation of the important topics discussed in the coursework.
This graduate seminar focuses on examining the role of the curator within and outside of the exhibition space, particularly as it relates to the use of display and programming around exhibitions, as tools for social change and political activism. Students will cultivate their knowledge and experience through readings, discussions, presentations, and interactions with guest speakers.
Jackie Truitt
Hi! I am a graduate student at UNM in the museum studies and history departments. I grew up in Albuquerque and although I’ve been able to travel quite extensively and have lived in other states, this will always be home. Like many New Mexicans, there is a specific sort of feeling that comes over me when I’ve been away too long, and my desire for the smells of roasting chile and piñon and the comforts of family and community lure me back.
For a long time, I viewed myself only as a straight ally who also happened to kiss girls, because I was only ever in relationships with men and am now married to a (wonderful and supportive) man. In the last two years or so I have been actively working through my own internalized misogyny and heteronormativity. There can be such a stigma against bi and pansexuals even within the overarching LGBTQ+ community, and in my case, even though I've always known that I am attracted to the person and not the label, I never quite felt deserving of a queer designation.
albuQUEERque is an idea I've had floating around in my head for a while. Because of my newfound confidence and acceptance in this part of my own identity, selfishly, I am really interested in getting to know other people within the queer community of Albuquerque and hearing firsthand the stories about who they are. Growing up and living in Albuquerque has had a profound impact on who I am today, and I want to know how that community has impacted others.
Although I am the conceptual creator and one of the facilitators of this project, this is a community and team effort. Who is included and what they have to say about themselves and their own experiences is entirely at the discretion of the individuals of the community who volunteer to be a part of this project. As a privileged white cis woman, I want to use what platform and privilege I have to support the LGBTQ+ community of Albuquerque and give them the space to tell their own stories.
Kaitlynn Stewart
Hello! I am a museum studies graduate student at UNM. Originally from Indiana, I moved to New Mexico about six years ago. My journey into a queer identity began in my late teens as purely an ally; I worked to be a support for friends and family as they made their own journeys. It wasn't until the initial COVID lockdown in the spring of 2019 that I sat with myself and the feelings I've had for quite some time.
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It was an absolutely freeing yet terrifying moment when I finally allowed myself to be honest with myself about the feelings that had always been there. I am demisexual and bisexual. I finally felt that I was making steps to live in full honesty and I would not have been able to do so without the incredible community I have been a part of here in Albuquerque.
It has been an incredible experience and honor to work on albuQUEERque, hearing others' stories, seeing their artwork, and holding space for them all. The community in Albuquerque is inspiring, supportive, creative, and wonderfully diverse and I cannot wait to see what the future holds!
Madeline Griffin
Bio Coming Soon