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MoPOP unveils Pride exhibit

SEATTLE — The Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle is getting ready to open an exhibit that explores the transformation of LGBTQIA rights from Stonewall through the modern day.

After the pandemic delayed the launch of “Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement” by one year, MoPOP is excited to finally host the exhibit.

“We felt it was really important to open during Pride month and make sure we were celebrating that,” said Amalia Kozloff, MoPOP Curator.

Developed by the Newseum, “Rise Up” was first unveiled at the Newseum in Washington DC in 2019 marking the 50th anniversary of Stonewall. Seattle is the first stop for the traveling exhibit on its country tour.

“This section really is talking about how the Stonewall uprising was a watershed moment in the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, and so in here is going to be a lot of publications that talk about the news coverage,” said Kozloff.

From the media coverage to the political challenges, “Rise Up” examines the five decades since Stonewall ignited the LGBTQIA rights movement. The detailed layout will invite visitors to explore the battles, victories and influence on media.

“There will be new things that you’ll see and learn. I think that there is also a lot besides the heavy history you’ll see — there are a lot of fun things and celebration of how far we’ve come while still acknowledging there’s work to be done,” said Kozloff.

The exhibit examines the connection between pop culture and the LGBTQIA community, MoPop will also highlight the influence of Seattle LGBTQIA artists and activists.

“Changing the narrative and representation is important in pop culture, but also the LGBTQIA plus community has really affected our pop culture and what we see in the world and what we interact with,” said Kozloff.

The large-scale exhibit has more than 150 artifacts. It’s designed to be interactive and spark conversation. Kozloff hopes this inspires visitors to share their experience with friends, family and on social media.

The exhibit opens June 26th and will be at MoPOP through September 12.