Digital Mural Celebrating LGBTQ, Latin Culture Defaced Days After Unveiling In San Francisco's Mission District
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- A mural displayed to celebrate the Latin experience in LGBTQ culture was defaced just days after it was unveiled in the city's Mission District.
Derogatory threats and accusations of cultural appropriation poured in after the "Por Vida" mural was unveiled Saturday. By Tuesday, the digital mural presented by Galeria de la Raza had been defaced with spray paint.
The Los Angeles-based artists Maricon Collective and The Q-Sides faced accusations of "culturally appropriating gang culture by glamorizing and claiming gang affiliation," according to a statement released by Galeria.
Galeria said the damage, and cyber attacks were "reminders that homophobia is alive and well in our communities."
Manuel Paul of Maricon Collective said "Barrio Queerness is not a new concept or trend, it has always existed but has been silenced by centuries of patriarchy and machismo that plague our communities."