The first and only Queer Histories Festival in the U.S.
One Institute is proud to present Circa, the first and only LGBTQ+ histories festival in the United States, held each October during LGBTQ+ History Month.
Established in 2023, Circa: Queer Histories Festival is a month-long, LA County-wide programming series showcasing the trailblazing histories and vibrant cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ communities through the lens of present-day challenges and triumphs. Through exhibitions, performance, readings, screenings, lectures, dialogues, and parties, Circa features queer and trans artists, activists, and educators leading the movement for LGBTQ+ liberation.
The theme for Circa 2025 is RECLAIMING FREEDOM. Are we free even when discrimination, surveillance, and inequality persist? How have we insisted on the fight towards liberation despite threats to our rights? With the Trump administration’s relentless attacks on queer and trans communities, immigrants, HIV/AIDS funding, LGBTQ+ inclusion in public schools, women’s reproductive rights, and more, the notion of reclaiming our freedom even when we are not completely free is relevant and urgent.
Circa: Queer Histories Festival is presented by One Institute. Circa is made possible with support from our sponsors Los Angeles County Third District Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, the City of West Hollywood, Uptown Gay & Lesbian Alliance, Paul D. Lerner & Stephen Reis, Amazon, Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathy Barger, Los Angeles County Department of Arts & Culture, and our broadcast sponsor ABC7.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a Co-Presenter of all Circa programs taking place at The Village at Ed Gould Plaza, including the Advocate and Gochis Galleries, Renberg Theatre, and Davidson/Valentini Theatre.
Special thanks to the Circa Steering Committee Members: Rasheed Newson, One Institute Board Chair, television drama writer, producer, showrunner, and author; Rubén Esparza, multidisciplinary artist and curator; Ace Anaya, trans-expansive community connector and policy advocate; Cole Santiago, Director and Executive Producer at Field Trip; Chiedu Egbuniwe, One Institute Board Member, founder and Principal of CE Impact Strategies, LLC; Jerri Allyn, activist artist; Samantha Eisenberg, Director of Development at JQ International and Board Member at Beth Chayim Chadashim; Felicia Carbajal, Community Organizer and Co-Founder and Executive Director of The Social Impact Center; Ray López-Chang, Community Organizer and Director of Advocacy and Planning at Great Public Schools Now; Amitis Motevalli, One Institute Board Member, Artist, Educational Justice Organizer, and Director of the William Grant Still Arts Center; Orin Calcagne, Experimental Performer and Playwright; Lynn Harris Ballen, Activist, Senior Producer of Feminist Magazine, and Board President of Dyke Day LA; Jamison Rockmore, Writer and Filmmaker; Holly M. Crawford, Museum Curator and Educator; Badly Licked Bear, Arts Worker, Community Leader, and Artist; Daniel Rodriguez, Artist and Community Organizer.
About One Institute
Founded in 1952, One Institute is the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the country, dedicated to elevating queer and trans history and embracing emerging stories through collaborative education, arts, and cultural programs. Our one-of-a-kind exhibitions and public programs connect LGBTQ+ history and contemporary culture to effect social change. Through unique K-12 teacher trainings, lesson plans, and youth mentorship programs, we empower the next generation of teachers and students to bring queer history into classrooms and communities. As the independent community partner of ONE Archives at the USC Libraries, we promote the largest collection of LGBTQ+ materials in the world.
The curatorial and educational choices made by One Institute are guided by our commitment to social equity and justice. We engage with the complexity of LGBTQ+ history and representation through highlighting the intersectional narratives of Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), women, gender- nonconforming and transgender people, people of various abilities, youth, and elders across all socio-economic classes.
Learn more at oneinstitute.org, and connect with One on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @oneinstitutela.