$3 Bill: Evidence of Queer Lives

Exhibition in the Queer Exhibitions and Events at Getty series
An assortment of images against a hot pink background, including a blond wig, red underwear, an American flag, a high heel, a bottle of pills, bottles of nail polish, and candy

Assemblage with Pur·suit (detail), 2019, Naima Green, © Naima Green; and Front Line of Freedom San Francisco: Queer as a Three Dollar Bill, ca. 1981, Ken Wood. Collection objects from Getty Research Institute. Text, design, photo © 2025 J. Paul Getty Trust

$3 Bill celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists in the last century. From pioneers who explored sexual and gender identity in the first half of the 20th century, through the liberation movements and the horrors of the HIV/AIDS epidemics, to today’s more inclusive and expansive understanding of gender, $3 Bill presents a journey of resilience, pride, and beauty.

This exhibition is presented in English and Spanish. Esta exhibición se presenta en inglés y en español.

Jun 10–Sep 28, 2025

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Supported by

The Danielson Family Foundation

Selected Works

  • Self-Portrait, ca. 1960s, Emil Cadoo

    Getty Museum, 2008.74. Gift of Joyce Cadoo / Janos Gat Gallery. © Estate of Emil Cadoo

  • Pur·suit (detail), 2019, Naima Green

    Getty Research Institute, 2023.R.16. Art © Naima Green. Photo © J. Paul Getty Trust

  • Front Line of Freedom San Francisco: Queer as a Three Dollar Bill, ca. 1918, Ken Wood

    Getty Research Institute, 2023.M.58. Photo © J. Paul Getty Trust

    A fake three dollar bill with Harvey Milk and Bessie Smith's heads in the oval portrait frames

  • He Kills Me, 1987, Donald Moffett

    Getty Research Institute, 2024.PR.2

    On the left, a black and orange swirl. On the right, a black and white photo of president Ronald Regan and text in orange that says “He kills me.”

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