Spot a fresh, intimate look at gender this week in Atlanta , Southern Fried Queer Pride presents Valeska Freire’s photo series “There’s No One Way to Be Non-Binary,” a free exhibit at The Supermarket that celebrates real people, quiet gestures, and the many ways gender can be lived.

Essential Takeaways

  • Where and when: The exhibition runs at The Supermarket in Atlanta from 9–14 July, with a closing reception on 14 July.
  • Artist: Valeska Freire is a Venezuelan photographer and filmmaker exploring queer identity through portraiture and self-portraiture.
  • What to expect: Close, personal portraits of non-binary Atlantans , soft lighting, honest expressions, varied styles.
  • Free and open: Both the exhibition and the closing reception are free; registration is available on Eventbrite.
  • Reception highlights: The closing night includes a talk by Freire, music from DJ 4GetMeNot, and refreshments.

Why this exhibit feels timely and tender

If you want a show that’s more intimate than a manifesto, this one fits the bill. Freire’s portraits foreground calm faces, small details and clothing choices that refuse a single narrative. The images look and feel like conversations , quiet, complicated, and often joyful. According to Southern Fried Queer Pride’s listings, the festival has a track record of centring local queer voices, and this series slots neatly into that mission.

From personal journey to a public series

Freire began the project from a personal place: navigating non-binary identity without a map. That backstory matters because it steers the work away from staged “types” and toward lived experience. Exhibition notes and the artist’s own statements suggest these photos grew from long conversations and trust with each sitter, which shows on camera as a relaxed, honest presence. It’s portraiture that privileges nuance over spectacle.

What the community angle brings to the show

This isn’t a disconnected gallery drop. Southern Fried Queer Pride curates events that are community-forward, and hosting the series at The Supermarket , a DIY-rooted arts space , keeps things accessible and grassroots. For visitors that means fewer velvet ropes and more chance encounters: you’ll likely meet subjects, friends, or organisers in the room. For Atlanta’s queer scene, it’s another chance to see representation that reflects local faces and stories.

Practical details: planning your visit

The show runs for a week, with the closing reception on Non-Binary People’s Day. Both the exhibition and reception are free, but registration via Eventbrite is recommended to secure a spot for the talk and music. The Supermarket’s event calendar lists practical info about arrivals and accessibility; check it if you need step-free access or have questions about seating. Arrive early on the reception night if you want to hear Freire speak and catch DJ 4GetMeNot’s set.

Why it matters beyond the prints

Portraits like these do small, steady work: they normalise difference by showing the ordinary, textured lives of non-binary people. They’re a reminder that representation isn’t only about headlines, it’s also about seeing people in everyday poses and authentic garments. If you’re curious, supportive, or simply love thoughtful photography, this exhibition offers both a warm welcome and a gentle education.

It's a small but meaningful show , go see how many ways there really are to be non-binary.

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