THEYFRIEND @ The Academy, presented by Diamond Wave

Diamond Wave + The Academy present

THEYFRIEND @ The Academy

(An intimate conversation and performance on nonbinary identity)

Now in its fourth year, THEYFRIEND is the world’s first performance festival uplifting, centering, and celebrating nonbinary identity. This intimate event featuring nonbinary performers gives a peek inside the creative process and the search for nonbinary belonging.

Featuring performances and a panel discussion from:

• Drag sensation and Director for the Office of Transgender Initiatives Honey Mahogany
• Billboard-featured singer & songwriter Criibaby
• THEYFRIEND Founder and interdisciplinary artist Vin Seaman

Although this event focuses on nonbinary identity, we welcome people of all gender identities to deepen their understandings and enjoy the performances.

For more information on THEYFRIEND, visit www.diamond-wave.org/theyfriend.

TICKETS

• Academy Members may reserve up to (6) tickets FREE.
• $20 Non-Members

MEMBERSHIP

The Academy is currently accepting new membership applications. If you are interested in becoming a member and enjoying all of the associated perks and benefits, please click here to learn more.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Ranked in the "top 10 most memorable performances of 2023" internationally by Sofar Sounds, Criibaby is a queer singer/songwriter known for her gender-neutral "dreamy romantic jams" (BILLBOARD) “beautifully harmonized vocals and endearing lyrics” (POPSUGAR). Using a unique songwriting method she describes as possessing “no names, no genders, only the feelings, only the bare truths,” the San Francisco-born artist writes all of their lyrics from an openly queer perspective, without any binary pronouns, in a conscious effort to make music more inclusive. Perhaps more akin to “art therapy,” than simply live music, Criibaby’s live performances feature a self-made interactive light & sound sculpture. Seeing is believing, but maybe it’s best described as "a floating piano made of psychedelic glowing orbs!" (SF WEEKLY) Criibaby is fresh off the heels of unveiling their mind-blowing electronic instrument during an official artist showcase at iconic music & technology festival SXSW and regularly delights audiences with its mesmerizing beauty and curiousity-inducing originality. Be ready to be taken to an entirely new universe, because every performance begins with a meditative trip beyond the clouds.

Honey Mahogany is a performer, small business owner, and activist who grew up in San Francisco. Honey received her Masters in Social Welfare from UC Berkeley, and her work as an advocate, culture creator, and change maker has earned her recognition from the City of San Francisco; the State of California; Sainthood from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence; and awards from numerous organizations including Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom; The GLIDE Center for Social Justice; and the Women's Foundation of California.

Vin Seaman is an interdisciplinary artist, drag queen (LOL McFiercen) and the director of Diamond Wave. Drawing inspiration from sketch and stand up comedy, queer nightlife, internet aesthetics and their own nonbinary identity, Seaman’s work blends mediums and forms to create dynamic and interactive performances with the potential to shift minds and change hearts. Their work exploring queer identity and drag culture has been presented at The Stud, Brava, Oasis, El Rio, CounterPulse, the de Young, the Salesforce Tower, Frameline, the Tank NYC, the Austin International Drag Festival, SATELLITE ART SHOW Miami, the National Queer Arts Festival, Stockholm’s Stolt Scenkonst, Atlantic Center for the Arts, and Yale School of the Arts.

ABOUT DIAMOND WAVE

Founded in 2018, Diamond Wave is a queer arts organization that creates diverse, queer-centered artistic and cultural events that bring together disparate segments of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We also offer artist-led consulting that authentically supports the growth and stability of our artists, arts workers, and communities. More information at www.diamond-wave.org.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and food items are available for purchase. Our menus can be found here. Academy Social Club Members receive certain beverages complimentary. Ask your bartender or host for details.

CLUB INFORMATION (FOR MEMBERS)

The Club's main building will also be open during regular hours for Members and their guests, regardless of event attendance. Regular Club guest policy applies.

SAFE SPACE

The Academy is a safe space for all—in particular members of our LGBTQ+ community. We encourage you to learn more about our safe space principles & policies by clicking here.

ACCESSIBILITY

We strive to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. The event venue has an accessible entrance and restroom facilities. Please contact us if you have questions or specific requests regarding access.