About This Project
Summary
The Criminal Queerness Festival is an Obie Award-winning annual event produced by National Queer Theater that showcases the works of international LGBTQ+ playwrights from countries where queer artists are criminalized or censored. Since its inception in 2019 during WorldPride, NQT has provided a vital platform for these artists to share their stories free from censorship or violence in NYC, fostering global awareness and solidarity. The festival has produced 23 plays from 18 countries.
Goals & Objectives
1. Support and produce the work of international queer writers from countries that censor queer communities. 2. Employ and develop queer artists in NYC through fairly paid work, free from discrimination. 3. Educate and inspire audiences through accessible inter-cultural artistic experiences.
Results & Impact
1. CQF has produced 23 censorship-free plays from 18 countries, transforming the lives of LGBTQ+ artists. 2. NQT has hired over 400 queer NYC artists through CQF, paying artists over 400k over 7 years. 3. The festival has attracted over 5,000 multi-cultural audiences to experience queer theater.
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