An LGBT art exhibit titled “Rooted in Pride” now surrounds a children’s playground in Brooklyn, featuring nude photography, drag imagery, and messages critics say promote gender confusion among minors. The exhibit, installed at JJ Byrne Playground, will remain through August 1. One piece by Lukasz Leja, titled “Paint me like one of your polish girls,” portrays explicit nudity. Another display condemns gender reveal parties as “transphobic, homophobic and racist,” linking them to mental illness and colonialism.
Additional artwork includes a drag performer installation and political commentary condemning former President Trump for allegedly harming LGBT communities. The exhibit is curated by Arts Gowanus, a non-profit organization, with input from a jury that includes BIPOC, QTPOC, and Two-Spirit artists. The organization claims the project gives voice to marginalized LGBTQIA+ perspectives within public spaces.
Local parents and conservative leaders have voiced strong opposition, calling the exhibit inappropriate for a space intended for children. Many argue that exposing young children to sexually explicit material and gender ideology undermines parental rights and violates community standards. Concerns have been raised over the lack of warning signs or barriers separating the art from the play areas.
Brooklyn city officials have yet to comment on the installation, though organizers maintain it aligns with free expression and diversity goals. The situation has reignited broader debates over boundaries in public art and the increasing presence of adult-themed content in spaces frequented by minors.
