Last September, the streets of New England witnessed the birth of a monumental masterpiece, as the renowned artist muraleslian unveiled “Don’t Hate. Liberate!” – the largest Pride mural in the region, if not beyond. This vibrant and impactful artwork stands as a testament to the tireless efforts of the members of Out Now, a youth-led, adult-advised queer organization dedicated to fostering connection, solidarity, and advocacy for queer youth and their allies.
The visionary behind this mural, muraleslian, sheds light on the mural’s core message, stating, “The focus of this mural is the members of Out Now, and their work to create connection, solidarity, and advocacy for queer youth & allies.” Through vivid colors and powerful imagery, the mural encapsulates the essence of Out Now’s mission, celebrating the diverse voices and stories of queer youth advocates in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The inspiration for “Don’t Hate. Liberate!” stems from a captivating photograph taken by Isabella Dellolio, a Western Massachusetts photographer, featuring six queer youth advocates from Springfield. The mural not only immortalizes these individuals but also serves as a visual narrative, echoing the stories of resilience, strength, and community building within the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
Muraleslian brings a wealth of experience to this project, boasting a career as a public artist spanning over two decades in Europe. Her mural, “Rederas,” located in the Basque region of Northern Spain, garnered international acclaim, being voted the third-best mural in the world in 2022. Now, with “Don’t Hate. Liberate!” she continues to leave an indelible mark on the global mural art scene.
Out Now, the driving force behind this initiative, operates as a youth-led organization with adult guidance, working tirelessly to promote harm reduction, self-determination, and community building through anti-oppression organizing. This mural marks the third collaboration between Out Now and Common Wealth Murals (CWM), a mural management nonprofit dedicated to partnering with professional muralists and communities to create public art that reflects the hopes, histories, and heroes of their neighborhoods.
The significance of “Don’t Hate. Liberate!” extends beyond its physical presence on the walls of New England. It serves as a beacon of hope, a symbol of acceptance, and a call to action for a more inclusive and understanding society. As the colors of the mural dance against the backdrop of Springfield, it not only celebrates the strides made by Out Now but also invites everyone to join in the ongoing journey towards equality and liberation for all.
