The Butler Institute of American Art will present a panel discussion on American LGBTQ+ artists from the 18th Century to the present on June 25.

Over the past 250 years of America’s existence, there have been varying waves of acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community with artists often on the frontlines and pushing for their freedom of expression even when faced with resistance.

Moderated by Butler Interim Director Larry Jones, the discussion will delve into how American artists have led the way to help move the LGBTQ+ community forward.

Panelists will include John Noga, an independent curator, arts administrator and performance collaborator who is co-curator of the traveling exhibition “Yoko Ono: Imagine Peace”; Arnie Turnstall, director of galleries at the University of Akron’s Myers School of Art; Todd Rurban, a Cleveland-based artist, educator and art historian; Heather Seno, a Youngstown interdisciplinary artist and owner of the former Art House on Elm gallery; and Ginger Williams, a Cleveland-based researcher, public speaker and board member of TransOhio.

The program will run from 6 to 8 p.m. June 25 at the Butler, 524 Wick Ave., Youngstown, and will be preceded by a reception at 5:15 p.m. Admission is free, and attendees are invited to participate in two collaborative art engagements — creating a Pride affirmation flag and contributing to a large rainbow mosaic mural.