Queer Creativity as Resistance – Panel Discussion

Learn how local Sonoma County Queer artists explore imagination, art, and creativity to challenge norms, foster resilience and build community in challenging times. Panelists Erica Ambrin (musician), Lorenzo Castillo (visual artist), and Jennifer Espinoza (poet) will share their personal stories and insights, followed by audience Q&A. Moderated by Chase Overholt of Positive Images.

Artists & Moderator Bios:

Erica Ambrin is an ever evolving Hip-Hop Soul artist from Northern California. Growing up in Los Angeles with a DJ father, Ambrin’s eclectic taste in music influences her writing – giving you vibes of Erykah Badu, The Fugees, and The Alabama Shakes. Ambrin’s unique dynamics fuse soulful vocals with deeply personal lyrics that draw the audience in for an intimate experience. 

Ambrin has performed all over California and Maui and has had the pleasure of opening for iconic artists such as KRS-One, Nappy Roots, The Wailers, Martin Luther, and Anuhea. After gaining popularity as a contestant on American Idol, Erica moved to Maui to record her first hip-hop project ‘Lucid Dreamer’. “With R&B and jazz undertones, Ambrin spins lyrical narratives that are romantic, vulnerable, and insightful.” - Terry Roland, The Journal of Roots Music.

Lorenzo Castillo is a trans college student and visual artist from Petaluma, CA, and is currently pursuing a degree in anthropology and studio art. They love playing TTRPGs, listening to local punk music, and trying out new artistic mediums! Lorenzo holds a lifelong love for all things horror and really enjoys incorporating spooky themes into their artwork. Their latest obsessions include drawing funky monsters and making jewelry. They are also an alumni artist vendor of Petaluma Regional Library's LumaCon.

Jennifer Espinoza is a poet whose work has been featured in Poetry Magazine, the American Poetry Review, The Rumpus, Poem-a-day @poets.org, and elsewhere. She is the author of I'm Alive / It Hurts / I Love It (Big Lucks), THERE SHOULD BE FLOWERS (The Accomplices) and I Don't Want To Be Understood (Alice James Books). She holds an MFA in poetry from UC Riverside and currently resides in California with her wife, poet/essayist Eileen Elizabeth, and their cat and dog. 

Chase Overholt (they/he) is a Bay Area-based nonprofit leader, community organizer, and passionate advocate for queer joy, equity, and creative expression. As the Interim Co-Executive Director of Positive Images—Sonoma County’s LGBTQIA2S+ Center—and a member of the Community Centric Fundraising design team, Chase works at the intersection of resource mobilization and cultural transformation.

With a background in fundraising, event curation, and community storytelling, they’re committed to uplifting queer voices and creating spaces where art, identity, and liberation meet. When not building budgets or hosting galas, Chase can be found writing, cooking vegan food, or screaming about injustice—but make it fashion.