“I am an activist, and art is my vehicle.” 

Self-Made Man: A Story of Resilience, is a visual landscape of the LGBTQ+ community from 1980-2019 seen through the lens of transgender photographer Leon Mostovoy. Included is a series of four 5-foot photographic murals, two short films, and two books to explore. Each mural depicts a different era, a different focus, and a sociopolitical barrier to cross within the LGBTQ+ community.

Self-Made Man represents queer activism through art and protest. It is a look into our past and an inspiration to the next generation of queer artists to display and predict the future of social constructs. The exhibition portrays the resilience of a generation that fought for our rights when we had no political or social visibility. Including murals representing trans masculine community, The Face of Transmen, and representing all non-binary and trans people in Transfigure MarkUp.

The opening reception for the exhibition will take place at One Gallery on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Exhibition will be on view from October 3 – October 12. The One Gallery will be open Friday-Saturday 1-7 p.m.

Program is not suitable for all ages. Contains adult content. 

Self-Made Man: A Story of Resilience is organized by Leon Mostovoy as part of the 2025 Circa: Queer Histories Festival, presented by One Institute. 

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  One Gallery is an art gallery and cultural programming space operated by One Institute, the oldest active LGBTQ+ organization in the country. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, One Gallery is dedicated to hosting archival and contemporary art installations that showcase LGBTQ+ history. Through partnerships with established and emerging community partners, the gallery also serves as a low-cost, multi-purpose space for community meetings, creative workshops, classes, and other mission-aligned programming.