Presented in partnership by Art of Pride and Medium Photo: IMAGES OF PRIDE, Photography Exhibition. 

This year's exhibition theme, Joyful Acts of Resistance explores how joy itself can be an act of defiance against oppression, hardship, or conformity. The photographs capture moments where laughter, dance, color, ritual, and everyday tenderness become tools of resistance. Instead of focusing on the heaviness of struggle, the show celebrates resilience through celebration, showing how communities transform resistance into a vibrant affirmation of life.

Please read these guidelines before submitting:

Eligibility: Artists of all skill levels, genders, and sexual orientations may submit their work. You do not have to identify as LGBTQIA+, but you must be an ally.

Eligibility Age: 18 years or older

Submission Fee: $0

Prizes: Cash or cash-equivalent prizes will be awarded to the top 3 artists based on attendee voting at the opening reception on October 17, 2025.

1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50

Depending on donations, we may add more prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

Eligible Submissions: Submissions must be the artist’s original work. Artists may submit up to 3 pieces of art, and you may only submit this form once. Please submit images between 1MB and 2MB in file size, labeled with your name and title: “Artist Name_Title of Artwork” (e.g., “Alma Thomas_The Eclipse”). Improperly labeled files may be rejected.

Examples of photography accepted: Portraiture, Street Photography, Documentary/Photojournalism, Performance & Body Art, Community & Ritual, Intimacy & Relationships, Humor & Satire, Environmental & Land-Based Resistance, and Experimental & Conceptual are just some examples. Images may be from any capture date.

Size requirements: Works should be no larger than 30" x 30" framed. If you are submitting a multiple-image piece, it may exceed the size limitation; however, please share a thumbnail of how it will look displayed on a wall along with its total dimensions for consideration. Artists must print and frame their own work at their own expense.

IMPORTANT DATES:

09/26/25 – Deadline to submit work (11:59 PM PST)
10/02/25 – Artist notification date
10/06/25 – 10/10/25 – Artwork drop-off at SD Pride Office Gallery
10/17/25 – Public opening reception, 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
12/05/25 – Exhibition closes
12/05/25 – 12/12/25 – Artwork pick-up (up to one week after closing)

Delivery and Pickup of Work: Artwork must be printed, framed, and delivered to the SD Pride Office Gallery, 3620 30th Street, San Diego, CA, during office hours (9 AM – 5 PM) the week of 10/06–10/10, 2025. Shortly after the closing of the show in December, all work must be picked up at the same location. Mailing your work is NOT an option. Works left more than 14 days after the show closes will be considered abandoned.

Sale of Artwork and Commissions: Artists may sell their selected artwork for the exhibition. Art of Pride is not responsible for any transactions, deliveries, or payments to artists. A 20% commission will be collected from all artworks sold, payable to Art of Pride, to continue its mission of supporting the San Diego LGBTQIA+ art community.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Jackie Han at jackie.han@sdpride.org
Lanae King at lanae@mediumphoto.org

 

Every effort shall be taken by Art of Pride to secure and protect the Artwork to be displayed in the Sand Diego Pride office gallery. I shall however indemnify, defend and hold Art of Pride, San Diego Pride and its officers, volunteers or employees harmless from any losses or damages incurred which may arise from any damage or loss of said Artwork.

*Artists are advised to seek insurance on their work if they deem it necessary.

By Submitting this form, I hereby grant Art of Pride permission to use the image or other content submitted in their publication, including their website & internet postings.  I verify that I have the right to publish the people in the pictures and that I own the rights to have these images (or other content) distributed, published, or otherwise promoted by Art of Pride as they see fit for their publication.  I certify that this work of art is not plagiarized from another source.

I understand that the images(s) (or other content) I submit to Art of Pride may be used in their publication in print or digitally as well as on their website and other social media and internet postings.

I understand that by completing this form only allows Art of Pride to use my images (or other content) in their publication, and at no time will Art of Pride assume rights to the images (or other content) themselves, other than me allowing them the right to publish the images (or other content) submitted and should they then post pages from the publication on their website or in internet postings.

 
I understand that at no time shall I be paid, reimbursed, compensated, or given royalties, now or at any point in the future by Art of Pride unless otherwise stated in the above details. 

 
I hereby irrevocably authorize Art of Pride to copy, exhibit, publish or distribute these images (or other content) in their publication for purposes of publicizing Art of Pride in their publication, website or internet postings or for any other lawful purpose. I are also give the right for Art of Pride to make any necessary edits (i.e. crop/resize .....) to fit the publication.

 
I hereby hold harmless and release and forever discharge Art of Pride from all claims, demands, and causes of action which I, my heirs, representatives, executors, administrators, or any other persons acting on my behalf or on the behalf of my estate have or may have by reason of this authorization.

I affirm that all given statements to the Art of Pride are true. As the provider, I also understand that submissions of content, or completion of release, is not a guarantee of publication. If my work is published, it is the duty of the provider (and not Art of Pride) to notify all involved parties of their involvement in the final product.