‘Silence Has Never Served Us,’ New LGBTQ+ Advocacy Mural Unveiled in Oak Lawn

It’s been decades since the antiretroviral for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was developed, allowing for the disease to become undetectable and untransmittable with proper care. So, at a time when HIV rates are increasing in Dallas County,  and national attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community shift, many believe pride has never been more important. Now, community leaders are honoring that with a grandiose rainbow mural in the heart of the gayborhood. 

“I believe that art is a vehicle for connectivity,” said Rig Rush, director of branding for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), one of the organizations that planned the mural. “I believe it’s a voice of the community, and I believe that sometimes it brings things to light that are often denied or uncomfortable.” 

The new mural, unveiled in a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, was a collaborative project between the AHF, the largest non-profit HIV/AIDS organization, and the Dallas-based arts organization Artitude. The mural, which stretches the side of the AHF Cedar Springs Wellness Center at 4012 Cedar Springs Road, was painted in honor of local queer advocates and includes their portraits and moments from Dallas Pride. 

“I believe that, as a country, we should be empowering people to live authentically and peacefully in their bodies, not silencing them,” said muralist Kimmie Flores. “Rather than responding with anger or despair, I want this mural to serve as a joyful celebration of resilience, diversity and pride.”

The mural, which features empty Polaroid-style frames, was intentionally left blank so that community members could write the names of those they’ve lost to HIV. 

“The mural reminds us of the lives HIV has impacted, those we have lost, those who continue to live and thrive, and those whose stories we must honor and protect,” said Jerome Morales Larez, cofounder of Artitude. “Visibility saves lives. Compassion sustains communities, and silence has never served us.”

Names To Be Remembered

As the red ribbon fell, attendees of the ceremony were invited to write the names of those whose stories they wished to remember. 

Krista King, a transgender woman, wrote her name on the wall, with the message “live free.” 

“I want the younger community that comes after me to have a message and hope to know that it’s going to be okay,” King said. “We are living in a time right now where we need it more than ever; unprecedented.” 

Rush, who started his career in public health before he received his HIV diagnosis, wrote the name of his former mentor, Troy, who died of AIDS 15 years ago. 

“[He was] rebellious, but had a heart of gold,” he said. “He was the first person I called when I got diagnosed. What he said to me was, ‘Good kitten,’ and he hung up.” 

With a giggle, Rush continued on. 

“He called me back. He said, ‘Okay, now that that moment’s over, why do you feel sad? And I said, ‘Because…’ He said, ‘You have helped people through diagnosis. You have helped people regain their strength. So now it’s your time to cross the bridge. Not only will you put yourself first, but when I’m dead and gone, you will realize that you are part of a longer love story.’ This is nothing more than a virus that gave us a chance to choose ourselves.”