This summer, we’re celebrating all the radiant moments that make up The Summer of Trans Joy—and who better to bring that vision to life than artist Adam Dalton Blake?
Known for his playful, ultra-colorful illustrations and his knack for creating scenes you want to live inside, Adam helped design this year’s fundraiser artwork with all the sun, salt, and sparkle we could dream of. We caught up with him to talk about beach vibes and trans joy.
"What was your favorite part about designing the Summer of Trans Joy scenes? Any little Easter eggs hidden in the art we should look out for?"
ADB: I absolutely loved creating this drawing. I started creating these “Where’s Waldo?” inspired posters and love the level of detail, humor and fun you can have with so many characters. This was a fun one in particular because the beach is such a vast space where you can do so many things, and when depicting a diverse group of people in that vast space, the possibilities of representation are endless! My favorite easter eggs are the person falling in love with the guitar player, someone texting about some volleyball hotties and a duo pair doing some fun skinny dipping. Can you find them?
"What does a perfect beach day look like to you? Are you the “sun all day” type or the “I brought three umbrellas and SPF 70” kind?"
ADB: I often pretend that I’m a young spry thing that can do a “sun all day” kinda beach day, but I have grown to accept that I am a beach umbrella, gabbing all day, and pretending to read a book
I’ve been putting off kinda boy at the beach. And I’m an SPF 90 guy or a nothing at all guy. All depends if I truly remember to apply and then REAPPLY, which I almost never do. Oh, and you have to have salty snacks.
"This year’s art has both a sunny daytime and a glowing nighttime scene. Which one feels more like you—and why?"
ADB: I come alive during the day for sure. Give me a nice cold drink and a group of friends basking in the sun, remarking about everything happening around them and I’m good! As soon as the sun goes down, I turn to a pumpkin and pass right out. I’m like a reverse vampire.
"If your summer art had a signature scent or flavor, what would it be?"
ADB: This summer art would smell or taste like a really strong margarita in a dixie cup and the sunscreen spilled at the bottom of your beach tote.
"When you think about trans joy and community, what feelings or colors come to mind?"
ADB: Trans joy is so important in creating a vibrant color palette of the LGBTQIA+ community. You have the classic trans colors of light blue, white, and light pink (pink is my favorite color in general!), and then add on the brightness of living in your authentic truth, unabashed by any negativity. There you have your bright oranges, yellows and beautiful lavenders. I think a lot of people can look at Trans joy and the Trans community as a goal post for which to measure your self love. There is nothing more powerful than Trans joy, being fully passionate about living your best life, and because of that, you have every color in the world available to you.
"You’ve worked with so many amazing brands—what made this collaboration with Point of Pride special for you?"
ADB: This project was a project of love and joy. I feel so passionate about looking at my chosen family in the community and uplifting, supporting and amplifying the work of those who deserve it. Point of Pride is a fantastic organization who is fighting the good fight, especially in these bleak times, and giving the community what they need. With that as the guiding light for this collaboration, it was super easy, fulfilling and joyful to create this artwork, highlighting joy, love and active allyship.
"What’s your go-to way to celebrate Pride Month? Do you have any favorite traditions, outfits, or snacks?"
ADB: Truly just the tiniest clothes possible, and as much glitter as you can handle. As a queer artist, I make most of my money for the year during Pride Month through selling artwork at parties, events and parades, so I do tend to spend most of my Pride Month hustling and bustling. However, I can still wear my unapologetic tiny outfit while I do so.
Keep up with Adam’s colorful, queer world on Instagram @adamdblake and shop his work at adamdaltonblake.shop.
Celebrate The Summer of Trans Joy!
There are so many joyful ways to support and celebrate our community:
- Support the cause: Make a donation of any amount to help Point of Pride provide life-changing gender-affirming care to trans folks in need.
- Wear your pride: We’ve got tees, tanks, sweatshirts, tote bags, mugs, and more—featuring this limited-edition design! Visit our Bonfire store to choose your favorite style or grab one for a friend.
- Make art: Download a coloring sheet (PDF) and get creative!
- Brighten your screen: Download a "Summer of Trans Joy" phone background (JPG)!
- Take a moment: Stream our "Meditations for Trans People" podcast—available on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts!
- Spread the joy: Follow us and tag us in your stories of trans joy—day or night! We’re on Instagram as well as Facebook, TikTok, Threads, and LinkedIn.
Written by Point of Pride
Point of Pride provides financial aid and direct support to trans folks in need of health and wellness care.
