A controversial LGBT art exhibit featuring nude images and political messages has been placed directly around a children’s playground in Brooklyn, sparking outrage among parents and community members.
At a Glance
- The “Rooted in Pride” exhibit surrounds JJ Byrne Playground in Brooklyn with explicit imagery visible to children
- Artwork includes nude images, gay pornographic themes, and political messages targeting former President Trump
- Several pieces promote gender ideology, including one claiming gender reveal parties are “transphobic” and “harmful”
- Organized by non-profit Arts Gowanus, the exhibit will remain on display until August 1
- The Daily Wire received no response when reaching out to Arts Gowanus for comment
Explicit Content Displayed Near Children’s Play Area
The “Rooted in Pride” LGBT art exhibit, currently displayed around JJ Byrne Playground in Brooklyn, New York, has drawn criticism for its adult content being placed in direct view of children. The controversial installation features numerous pieces with explicit imagery, including nude figures with exposed body parts, that young children can easily encounter while using the playground facilities. The exhibit, which will remain in place until August 1, was organized by Arts Gowanus, a local non-profit organization focused on promoting artists in the Brooklyn area.
— Gays Against Groomers (@againstgrmrs) June 13, 2024
Among the most controversial pieces is a work by artist Lukasz Leja titled “Paint me like one of your polish girls,” which contains gay pornographic themes. Another image shows two nude people embracing with exposed nipples, while additional artworks feature individuals in gay pride and drag attire with captions promoting LGBT ideology. The placement of such explicit content in an area primarily designed for children has left many parents concerned about the appropriateness of the exhibit’s location.
Political Messaging and Gender Ideology
Beyond the explicit imagery, the exhibit also contains numerous pieces promoting specific political viewpoints and gender ideology. One artwork directly criticizes former President Donald Trump with text claiming he attempted to “destroy” LGBT communities. The piece, created on Inauguration Day 2025, includes a statement: “This piece is a reminder that regardless of the identities or beliefs of the communities the president seeks to destroy, we are still his constituency.”
Another controversial piece attacks the concept of gender reveal parties for newborns, claiming they are “transphobic, homophobic and racist.” The artwork asserts that such celebrations aren’t actually celebrations but rather “the start of toxic expectations” that cause physical and mental harm. Additional pieces throughout the exhibit critique what the artists characterize as government control over transgender bodies, furthering the political nature of the display.
Exhibition Organization and Selection Process
Arts Gowanus, the organization behind the exhibit, highlighted that the artwork was selected by a panel of jurors including Gayah Imani Gillson, who is described as a “BIPOC, QTPOC, TwoSpirit artist.” The exhibit specifically features work from artists who identify as LGBTQIA, with the stated purpose of exploring themes related to pride, identity, and community. When contacted by The Daily Wire for comment regarding the controversy surrounding the exhibit’s content and placement, Arts Gowanus did not respond.
The controversy in Brooklyn parallels a similar situation in Fort Worth, Texas, where police recently investigated photographs of nude children by artist Sally Mann at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. In that case, the Danbury Institute, a religious liberty group, condemned the exhibit as exploitative and inappropriate, with Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare and other Texas Republicans calling for legal action. These incidents highlight growing tensions between artistic expression and concerns about protecting children from adult content in public spaces.
