Creating joy and belonging with art

Randall Nielsen of Queerlective delivered the following remarks at a Foundation community event in September:

Good evening, everyone. My name is Randall Nielsen, and I’m the founder of Queerlective, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating and promoting inclusive environments for queer, BIPOC, and underserved communities. It’s an honor to be here today to share with you the journey of Queerlective and how we’re working to make New Hampshire a place where everyone can thrive.

The story of how I got here is a story of embracing authenticity and the transformative power of art. At the end of 2021, I found myself struggling with my mental health. After a particularly challenging winter, I realized I wasn’t living my most authentic life, nor was I surrounded by people who encouraged me to be my true self. That realization sparked a change in me — I decided to stop putting things off and to be more intentional with my life. I immersed myself in art, took classes, and even prepared to vend at Manchester Pride.

It was during this time that I became enamored with how art brings people together, invites connection, and fosters a sense of belonging. After helping organize Manchester Pride as the art committee chair, I, along with my fiancée and a collaborator, decided to create an organization that would celebrate the queer and BIPOC communities through the power of art. That’s how Queerlective was born.

Our mission at Queerlective is simple but profound: to create and promote inclusive environments for marginalized communities, using art as a tool for personal and community growth. We envision a New Hampshire where the diverse creative economy is celebrated, and where art serves as a bridge to stronger community connections.

But our work goes beyond art — it’s about creating safe spaces that can literally be life-saving. In these spaces, people know they can ask questions and be heard without judgment. For someone transitioning, being able to ask questions about hormone replacement therapy or finding healthcare providers who are allies can be critical. These conversations, held in a safe and supportive environment, are vital. They offer not just information, but reassurance and community—a reason to stay, to build a life here in New Hampshire.

We’ve had numerous individuals tell us that Queerlective is one of the reasons they’re staying in this state. That’s the impact of the work we do. We’re not just creating art; we’re creating lifelines, connections, and reasons for people to feel that they belong.

One of the most powerful ways we build community at Queerlective is through collaborative art. A great example of this is our Pride Flower Flag. For this activity, participants were invited to help us fill in the progressive pride flag with flowers. It was a simple yet profound exercise that perfectly illustrates our approach to building community. Each person who participated added their own flower, contributing to a larger piece that was greater than the sum of its parts.

And when the piece is complete, every participant can look at it and say, “I added that one there.” This sense of ownership and participation is at the core of how we build and strengthen our community. It’s about creating spaces where everyone’s contribution is valued and where together, we create something beautiful.

Art, as we see it, is not just about creating beautiful things; it’s about telling stories—diverse and disparate stories that often go unheard. We work tirelessly to provide opportunities for artists from marginalized communities to celebrate and connect through their work. Whether it’s organizing events like the mural festival in Manchester, where we brought three new murals to downtown, or supporting Manchester Pride with initiatives like the Queer Icon Scavenger Hunt, our goal is to make queer and BIPOC joy the norm.

At Queerlective, we believe that equitable access to community resources is critical. We work to demystify the process of using public resources, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to build stronger community connections.

Partnership is at the heart of what we do. We collaborate with local organizations to bring more diverse, equitable, and engaging gathering opportunities to New Hampshire. This year, we’ve expanded our team, bringing on new members who have been invaluable in helping us grow. Our Community Advocacy Coordinator, Team Development Coordinator, and Local Artist Support and Development Strategist are just a few of the roles that have strengthened our ability to serve the community.

I’m really excited about our project of developing a story-driven game called “Rounds” that explores social determinants of health through interactive narrative puzzles. It’s a powerful tool that not only entertains but also promotes discussions around community well-being and resilience.

We’re also working on creating a shared community space we’re calling Co-Lab. This space will be a vibrant hub for queer and BIPOC artist communities, featuring a storefront for local artists’ merchandise, a rotating gallery, and a shared studio space equipped with specialized tools. Our goal is to break down barriers to artistic expression and foster a creative, inclusive community.

But the real impact of our work is seen in the lives we touch. At Queerlective, we’re here for New Hampshire. And we’re here for good.

Thank you for your time, and I look forward to continuing this journey with all of you, working together to make New Hampshire a place where everyone can find joy, connection, and belonging.