LGBTQ+ Listening Library

Hudson Valley Queer Collective
Curated by Christina Picciano

QUEER ART IS QUEER POWER. QUEER POWER IS GAY LIBERATION.

Welcome to the LGBTQ+ Listening Library – a celebration of LGBTQ+ artists past, present and future. What began as a home-grown collection is now a growing archive for all to explore and connect with queer music.

Discover and Celebrate
Browse an extensive collection of vinyl records, CDs and cassettes featuring both legendary and emerging talents. From powerful anthems that shaped a movement to innovative sounds pushing boundaries today, immerse yourself in the music that has been a vital part of the LGBTQ+ community’s legacy.

Experience the Legacy
This exhibit is not just about listening—it’s about experiencing the history and influence of queer musicians. Discover the stories behind the music, learn about the artists who shaped it and honor the resilience of LGBTQ+ musicians.

Interactive and Inclusive
We encourage you to engage with the exhibit, explore the music and share your own experiences and discoveries. (First time using vinyl? Just ask a staff member for help!)

Thank you for taking part in this celebration of LGBTQ+ artists. Enjoy your time in the LGBTQ+ Listening Library!

About the Curator:

Christina Picciano is a queer artist, musician and community organizer based in Ossining, NY, and the founder of the Hudson Valley Queer Collective, fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas.

For over a decade, Picciano has produced inclusive, equity-driven arts programming that uplifts LGBTQ+ voices and builds accessible community spaces across Westchester and the Hudson Valley. In 2025 alone, working on a shoestring budget, she hosted and/or performed at 40 events across 14 venues, including 15 music performances, six Pride shows, 26 LGBTQ+ community events and 14 Queeraoke gatherings. She curates and leads a LGBTQ+ Social Justice in Art, Music, and Media workshop, which explores representation, history and cultural impact.

With her punk band All My Friends, she released three original songs in 2025 and completed a full-length album thanks to an Arts Alive grant from ArtsWestchester. Most importantly, her work has connected thousands of community members through art, music and shared space—centering joy, visibility and collective care.