With support from the California Arts Council, Diamond Wave will present dynamic creative programs centering the experiences of diverse queer and trans people, including: the THEYFRIEND nonbinary performance festival, the soft defiance project exploring queer mental health, and the Artists’ Adaptability Circles program putting historically marginalized artists, arts workers and culture bearers to work creatively addressing issues arising in their lives and communities.
Diamond Wave’s core and flagship program is THEYFRIEND, the first and only nonbinary performance festival in the world, dedicated to uplifting, centering, and celebrating nonbinary performers. In a cultural landscape where few organizations focus specifically on the needs of gender-expansive communities, THEYFRIEND provides a vital platform for nonbinary artists to share their work and a rare space for audiences to gather in recognition, visibility, and belonging.
Beyond the festival, Diamond Wave partners with queer and trans-led organizations to produce ad hoc performances, community events, and interdisciplinary artistic programming. These collaborations expand access to nonbinary-led cultural experiences while strengthening connections across LGBTQ+ communities. Through all of our work, we promote nonbinary, trans, and queer identities by fostering spaces where artists and audiences can be seen, heard, and engaged in meaningful cultural exchange.