Poet Laureate of Los Angeles Unveils “If These Stalls Could Talk” Installation at The Music Center
In a bold move to turn a site of everyday privacy into a space for collective identity and reflection, Brian Sonia-Wallace, the newly installed Poet Laureate of Los Angeles, has launched a unique poetry-art installation titled “If These Stalls Could Talk.” Located within the Lefton Family Restrooms on Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center in Downtown Los Angeles, the project transforms public restroom stalls into a shared confessional for the community.
Turning Infrastructure into Art
The installation consists of six restroom stall doors, each etched with poems written by queer and trans authors. By placing these works in a public restroom, the project aims to remind visitors that dignity is a form of infrastructure—something that is lived, practiced and shared even in the most solitary moments.
The selected texts offer messages of care, reflection, and quiet courage, serving as both a message and a memorial. The goal is to ensure that individuals questioning their self, safety, or identity feel they are not alone in those thoughts.
A Chorus of Intersectional Voices
The installation features a diverse range of intergenerational and intersectional voices, blending local talent with world-renowned LGBTQ+ leaders. The poets featured on the etched doors include:
- Brian Sonia-Wallace
- Andrea Gibson
- Stephanie Burt
- Cameron Awkward Rich
- féi iká shumari
- Jennifer Espinoza
Collaborations and Commissions
The project was commissioned by the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture. It was developed and delivered by Dyson &. Womack as part of the Public Artists in Development (PAID) Program, with the physical manufacturing handled by GAD Art & Fabrication, Inc.
Accompanying the installation is a special issue of the zine, The Feminist Toilet, which Brian Sonia-Wallace co-edited with poet Sammy Ginsberg.
Visitor Information and Key Dates
The installation is open to the public from May 15 to June 15, 2026. Two public gatherings mark the timeline of the exhibit:
- Launch Event: May 15, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. To 9:00 p.m.
- Closing Gathering: June 15, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. To 9:00 p.m.
Key Takeaways
- What: “If These Stalls Could Talk,” an etched poetry installation on restroom doors.
- Where: Lefton Family Restrooms, Jerry Moss Plaza, The Music Center, Downtown Los Angeles.
- Who: Curated by Poet Laureate Brian Sonia-Wallace, featuring queer and trans writers.
- When: Available from May 15 through June 15, 2026.
- Purpose: To provide a mirror for identity and a reminder of shared dignity within a public space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the installation free to visit?
Yes, the installation is located in the public restrooms of Jerry Moss Plaza and is open to the public during the exhibit dates.
Who funded the project?
The installation was commissioned by the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture through the Public Artists in Development (PAID) Program.
What is the significance of the location?
By using the public restroom—a site of everyday privacy—the installation transforms a mundane utility into a space for reflection, identity, and communal connection.