Evanston Art Center Friends of Dorothy’s

On view May 24 – June 29, 2025
Opening Reception June 1, 1-4 pm RSVP

Friends of Dorothy’s, Curated by Emma Rose Gudewicz.

The title of this exhibition derives from slang used by the gay community in the mid-20th century. During a time when homosexuality was criminalized, many queer individuals used coded language to identify one another safely in public. “Being a friend of Dorothy” was a discreet way for someone to inquire if another person was queer, without revealing their own identity to those who might not be accepting. Amid the regression of societal acceptance and understanding, we reflect on historical queer communities—their unity and resilience—and how their experiences shape the spaces we create today.

Friends of Dorothy’s highlights work that examines what it is to be queer today and an individual’s experience. This show is dedicated to uplifting and highlighting LGBTQIA+ voices in an uncertain world.