ACLU of Nebraska commissions local artist for pride month piece

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska has commissioned artist Joy Cotton for a pride month composition.

The ACLU said its 2023 Pride Art theme is “protest” after the passing of controversial legislation.

Last month, Gov. Jim Pillen signed Legislative Bill 574, which bans gender-affirming surgeries for minors.

Cotton, a Nebraska native and member of the LGBTQ community, said she was contacted via social media to work on the artwork.

She said she has been posting her art on social media.

“It led to the initial project, which was quite exciting,” she said.

Cotton said her artwork was inspired by the rallies she attended at the State Capitol this year.

“That scene has really stuck in my mind,” she said.  “It has been imprinted in my memory.”

Nebraska’s motto, “Equality Before the Law,” and the artwork’s themes are meant to inspire hope in the LGBTQ community, Cotton said.

The ACLU said Cotton’s artwork will be available at pride events across the state in June.