Lovely Bouquet of Flowers: An Exploration of Non-Traditional Gender Voices began as a two-act, 52-page theatrical work that weaves monologue, dialogue, poetry, and performance art to illuminate the diverse journeys of transgender, non-binary, and gender-nonconforming individuals. Built from real-life interviews conducted with members of the trans community — many of whom were not publicly out at the time — the play transforms lived experiences into deeply personal, yet universally resonant, theatrical storytelling.

Since its premiere at the Renberg Theatre in 2013, the play has reached audiences through city-sponsored arts programs, such as West Hollywood’s “One City, One Pride” Festival, and has been incorporated into academic curricula, including Middlebury College’s American Contemporary Playwrights course. In 2015, the feature-length documentary In Full Bloom… transcending gender was released, chronicling the play’s development and amplifying its impact as a tool for visibility and education.

Central to the play is its symbolic use of flowers — each character representing a different bloom, signifying the ever-evolving and fluid nature of identity. This metaphor allows for ongoing reinterpretation, empowering new communities to lend fresh voices (“new flowers”) to the dialogue around transgender rights. As we tour, each performance location — whether in a correctional facility, a university, or an advocacy space — becomes a new garden where untold stories can take root, flourish, and intertwine with the voices that came before them.

Through Fulcrum Arts’ Emerge program, we seek to expand Lovely Bouquet of Flowers into spaces where it can provoke dialogue, challenge narratives, and promote healing. Our work aligns with Emerge’s mission to advance artistic inquiry and support projects that amplify historically marginalized voices through innovative, socially engaged storytelling. We believe in the transformative power of the arts to bridge cultural divides, spark meaningful discourse, and activate public spaces in ways that promote inclusivity and social progress. Together we can build a stronger foundation for sustainable impact, leveraging resources and community partnerships to expand our reach, deepen our engagement, and create lasting change through the intersection of art and activism.