Heritage Activists & Liberation Artists
Empowering Artists, Amplifying Voices for All Liberation
Heritage Activists & Liberation Artists
Empowering Queer & Trans Artists, Uplifting Voices, Liberating Communities
San Francisco, CA, US
About HALA Collective:
Heritage Activists and Liberation Artists (HALA) is a vibrant, queer and trans-led collective of 46+ artists from around the world, founded by the renowned African-Palestinian drag artist, Mama Ganuush. Based in the Bay Area, HALA is dedicated to the principles of liberation, inclusivity, and social justice. Through art, performance, and activism, HALA challenges both historical and contemporary forms of oppression, emphasizing queer resistance, heritage preservation, and cultural activism.
Our Mission:
At HALA, community care is the foundation of effective movement building. We are committed to providing a platform where queer and trans artists are equitably compensated for their creative work while uplifting the global social justice movement. In 2025, our focus continues to center on supporting Palestinian, Indigenous, Black, and all liberation.
Your Support Makes a Difference:
By contributing to HALA, you are directly supporting queer, trans, and activist artists who are often marginalized and underrepresented. Your donation ensures that these artists have the resources to create impactful work, challenge oppressive systems, and build solidarity across communities. With active members in occupied Ohlone territories (now called San Francisco Bay Area) and others in Manhattan, Paris, and Istanbul, HALA’s influence is global, fostering intersectional dialogue and celebrating diversity.
Our Values:
• Transparency: We maintain openness in all our operations.
• Compassion: We show empathy and care to all individuals.
• Inclusivity: We embrace and respect all identities.
• Anti-Racism: We implement practices that actively combat racism.
Current Projects:
In 2025, HALA will lead groundbreaking projects aimed at uplifting marginalized voices and creating inclusive spaces: Cabaret Palestina, Pink Wash "Comrades' Dance Party", Salon HALA, Vocal AF, Opera Palestina. More details below.
- Cabaret Palestina: During SF Pride Month as a counter protest, we swiftly organized three events and paid 12 artists and 14 people helping with the production. A showcase of queer and trans talent that fuses art and activism. We have our second edition of all singers line up heading Astu.
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- Salon HALA: Inspired by Paris art salon, Salon HALA started at Queer Arts Featured (Harvey Milk's historic camera shop) where we outgrown the space and now at BRAVA cabaret. Every Salon features local thinkers (e.g. The Phoenix Project, Sad Francisco, etc), performances (e.g., CIN, Bianca Brown, Ms Tongo Lele, Monica Berini, and others), and a social time for community engagement.
- Vocal A.F.: A monthly open mic featuring queer and trans artists of diverse age groups, art forms, and languages, hosted by Zachary Kloes and Mama Ganuush at Queer Arts Featured. Instagram
- Opera Palestina: A baroque French opera interpreted with African American spirituality and Palestinian tradition.
- Pink Wash - The Comrades' Dance Party: Featuring local Queer and Trans DJs and performers at the iconic ElRio. Our first party 9.7.2024 was a great success and profits were donated for activists bail funds.
Why Now?
The fight for liberation and justice doesn’t stop. We prioritize trans POC artists and activists, integrating them into the fabric of all we do. Your contribution fuels this vital work, helping us sustain the movement and create real, lasting change.
Join Us in Supporting HALA Collective
Your contribution will support producing HALA collective events and make a difference in the lives of our artists and the broader movement for global liberation. Empower resistance and support queer and trans artists boycotting genocidal institutions.
Donate Now to HALA Collective and share the love across social media #HellaHALA
Rewards
Dedicated Video Greetings
Donate $100.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Get a dedicated video greeting by a local Palestinian activist artist and a shout out on socials.
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Shout-Outs on Social Media
Donate $25.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
Give backers a public thank you on HALA’s social media platforms, highlighting their support.
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An audio greetings
Donate $50.00 or more
Amount is fully tax-deductible.
As a special thank you for supporting HALA Collective, donors will receive a personalized voicemail greeting from the fabulous Mama Ganuush. Please leave your phone number or the email where you’d like to receive the voice note. This unique reward is our way of showing appreciation for your generosity and support.
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