Queer art refers to contemporary visual art practices based on the images and concerns of LGBTQ people. Artists of non-binary gender identity create works and artistic statements focused on promoting the appearance of other preferences and identities, as well as seeking new opportunities and establishing ultimate equality in society.

The term “queer” itself, in its scientific meaning, is defined as not fitting into the patriarchal heteronormative order and not corresponding to the generally accepted concept of “norm”. Queer theory, on which queer art relies, calls into question the already existing norms of the binary gender system.

Homosexuality has a long history, but it was only in the second half of the 20th century that the laws criminalizing homosexual acts were changed, and in psychiatry non-binary identity ceased to be listed as a pathology. More recently, it has become socially acceptable to act as a queer persona. These circumstances divided the development of queer art into two distinct features. On the one hand, the need to hide references to queer identity and experience, and on the other hand, the desire for visibility, encouraging people to “open up” as LGBTQ people, to separate themselves from dominant social norms. Artists have dared to create art about their sexual identities, and art eaters have begun to restore censored queer art.

Queer art is based on the concepts of body politics, gender identity, and the revision of the accepted model of sexuality. Queer artists often address themes of vulnerability, solidarity, opposition, the body, love, desire, and protest in their practice.

In technical terms, artists do not adhere to a particular style, using photography, portraiture, abstract painting, sculpture, collage, video art and more. The emphasis is not on performance, but on the overall idea - a deep exploration of the diversity and depth of queer identity. It is worth noting that a long discriminatory history of homosexuality and social attitudes have shaped the queer art form. Much queer art uses hidden meanings and/or encoded visual language that is not familiar to the general public.

The Belarusian project DOTYK raises the visibility of the queer and LGBT communities in Belarus and reduces discrimination through contemporary art. Initially, the project took the form of a film festival with accompanying events that helped point out those who were discriminated against on any grounds. The first festival was held in Minsk (2015) and included screenings of feature and documentary films, animations, exhibitions, lectures, workshops, concerts and meetings with Belarusian and foreign guests. However, the format of the project has changed many times. Now DOTYK has combined different forms, turned into a festival of queer culture, mastered different venues, and went beyond the capital. Conducts art events on an ongoing basis.

The MAKEOUT project is a Belarusian feminist anti-discrimination project about gender and sexuality. Create a movement to increase the visibility, awareness, and empowerment of LGBTQ+ and other vulnerable groups facing discrimination based on sexual and gender identity. The platform collects and archives the history of LGBT and queer life in Belarus.

"ХХУ" and "Fireplace Out" are two exhibitions that were held in Minsk in 2014. The topics of sexuality, criticism of heteronormativity, queer, incorporation or not incorporation into the social context were touched upon. Participating artists: Sergey Shabokhin and Lyudska Podoba, Zhanna Gladko and Wolfgang Tillmans and others. An exemplary queer art project was Alexey Lunev's installation “Another Sky” / Don't Tell Mamma (2014). On the Belarusian cultural scene, such events highlight the apparent silence around this kind of issue.

It is important to pay attention to the significant growth of the culture of empathy, acceptance and change in ethics in the Belarusian cultural and social life. The current political system significantly limits the freedom of choice, and therefore does not allow the development of modern visual practices, including queer art in Belarus. Instead, Belarusian queer artists find platforms for development abroad.