ACLU Freedom to Be Monument Quilts

The Freedom To Be Monument is more than just a piece of art—it's an act of resistance, combating transphobia and trans erasure. Inspired by the legacy of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, it ensures that trans voices, stories, and existence are honored and seen. Spelling out the words “Freedom To Be,” the monument is composed of 258 panels, each 6ft x 6ft, created by hundreds of trans folks and allies from across the country. Each panel is a unique response to the question, “What does freedom to be mean to me?” Over the past year, in partnership with the ACLU, trans storytellers and allies have poured their hopes, fears, and dreams into this collaborative work of art.

This powerful installation is the centerpiece of a national narrative change campaign aimed at elevating the essential—and often overlooked—part of the conversation about trans lives: our joy. The freedom to be loved, to be safe, and to make our own health care decisions is at the heart of what we are fighting for, and this monument boldly affirms that trans lives are here to stay.