Racine Sun

Heidi Wagner is hoping to see one of the things she is most passionate about serve to help bring more people together.

The new Passions Movement portrait series presented by the Racine native and art activist is set to be unveiled in downtown Racine on November 11. Through the series, CBS58.com reports Wagner shares the stories of the members of her own queer community, presenting them as a way of bolstering social connection and building a safe, all-encompassing community that welcomes and affirms all.

“When you see people engaged in their passion, you no longer see how they are different from you. You see a way to connect,” added Wagner. “I was a queer kid growing up here. I’ve left and returned and have lived the change that has happened. To see this work being supported and embraced feels like coming full circle.”

While conceding there is still more work to be done, Wagner has taken the step of partnering with the United Way of Racine County and the Racine Arts Council to capture the stories and passions of local multigenerational queer persons through her works and art. On her Passion Movement website, Wagner hails the nationally recognized photo series as one that “showcases older adults engaging in their passions as a way of redefining age and aging.”

In addition, the project aims to redefine aging as a period that should be viewed as an exciting time full of opportunities, joy and expression. With the Passion Movement, the project is taking a more targeted approach to expansion by highlighting underrepresented communities.

Tickets for the Nov. 11 unveiling at Social can be reserved by signing up online free of charge. The three-hour event kicks off at 6 pm, and after maximum attendance is reached, a waitlist will be started.