Brandon English, Qween Jean, Ruvan Wijesooriya, Caroline Mardok, Cindy Trinh, Deb Fong, Sean Waltrous, Josh Pacheco, and Ramie Ahmed. Photo by Serena Nappa.

On Thursday, November 17, guests gathered at 99 Scott Studio in Bushwick, New York for a book launch extravaganza hosted by B. Hawk Snipes and Qween Jean in honor of Revolution Is Love: A Year of Black Trans Liberation. The night featured DJ sets and dancing from a joyful crowd ready to celebrate the recently released publication and revel in community.

The activist, artist, and organizer behind Revolution Is Love, Qween Jean said of the evening, “To me, tonight is what Revolution Is Love symbolizes: we are beautiful people, we are brave people, we are talented people, and we deserve to live. Tonight, we unleash all of the power, the music, the vibrancy, because we are owed it.”

Qween Jean makes opening remarks to crowd, November 17, 2022.
Photo by Laura Randall.

The publication is a powerful visual record of a contemporary activist movement in New York City, and a moving testament to the enduring power of photography in activism, advocacy, and community. Twenty-four photographers were gathered to share images and words on the contemporary Stonewall Protests started in June 2020. Through photographs, interviews, and text, Revolution Is Love celebrates the power of shared joy and struggle in trans community and liberation. Many of the book’s contributors were in attendance at the November launch event including Ramie Ahmed, Brandon English, Deb Fong, Stas Ginzburg, Chae Kihn, Erica Lansner, Daniel Lehrhaupt, Caroline Mardok, Ryan McGinley, Josh Pacheco, Jarrett Robertson, Cindy Trinh, Sean Waltrous, and Ruvan Wijesooriya. 

The night’s guests were treated to performances from Linda La, Mariyea, Basit, Lady Jasmin Van Wales, Vuyo Sotashe, and others. DJ sets from Byrell the Great, Bronz3 Godd3ss, and Rajah Rah energized the party late into the night.

In a moving speech, Qween Jean said, “Revolution Is Love is a love letter to the Queer and Trans folks who are fighting desperately to be seen, to not only have their rights validated, but to have them protected. It is an honor to fight for liberation, it is an honor to show up and fight for Black Trans Women each and every day.”

Guests dancing at 99 Scott.
Photo by Ye Fan.
Book Launch made possible, in part, by Yola Mezcal. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Book Launch made possible, in part, by Yola Mezcal. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Guests enjoy the night. Photo by Ye Fan.
Guests enjoy the night. Photo by Ye Fan.
Qween Jean and Laurent Claquin. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Book Launch made possible, in part, by Jack'd App. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Book Launch made possible, in part, by Jack’d App. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Book Launch made possible, in part, by MAC Cosmetics. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Book Launch made possible, in part, by MAC Cosmetics. Photo by Serena Nappa.
ALONE. Photo by Serena Nappa.
ALONE. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Brandon English and Josh Pacheco. Photo by Ye Fan.
Brandon English and Josh Pacheco. Photo by Ye Fan.
Jasmin Van Wales. Photo by Laura Randall.
Maya Margarita and Ceyenne Doroshow. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Maya Margarita and Ceyenne Doroshow. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Linda La. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Linda La. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Sara Ramirez. Photo by Ye Fan.
Qween Jean. Photo by Ye Fan.
Qween Jean. Photo by Ye Fan.
Arewa Basit and party guest. Photo by Ye Fan.
Arewa Basit and party guest. Photo by Ye Fan.
Photo by Serena Nappa.
Photo by Serena Nappa.
Kamyo (K.K De La Transcendence) and party guest. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Kamyo (K.K De La Transcendence) and party guest. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Qween Jean, Ora Wise, and B. Hawk Snipes. Photo by Serena Nappa.
Sinn Chhin. Photo by Abi Benitez.
Sinn Chhin. Photo by Abi Benitez.
Adam Eli. Photo by Abi Benitez.
Adam Eli. Photo by Abi Benitez.
Photo by Serena Nappa.

Book Launch made possible, in part, by Black Trans Liberation, ALL, MAC Cosmetics, J&K’s Soul Food, Trans Equity, Jack’d App, Yola Mezcal, and Perrier.

For a pro-account on Jack’d use promo code “APFDN2022.”

This project was made possible, in part, with generous support from David Dechman and Michel Mercure, in honor of Slobodan Randjelović; Elaine Goldman; and Michael Hoeh.