What is Saffron?

Saffron is an LGBTQ+ Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) archive designed by Coptic-American Lesbian artist and independent archivist Caitlin (kt) Abadir-Mullally. The archive documents, preserves, and shares access to celebration, stories, and moments of joy by diasporic, queer SWANA artists and creators.  The archive currently lives in Philadelphia, PA.

Saffron is a cherished spice that is versatile in dying fabrics, coloring and flavoring cuisine across the world and involvement with ritual that brings us close to the divine. These qualities mirror my experience of the LGBTQ+ SWANA diaspora. I am passionate about documenting stories from within the community and the agency of the living to decide how their narratives are preserved. Saffron was incubated during my fellowship with YallaPunk in 2021 and expanded upon during my Creative Endeavors Fellowship with Sinister Wisdom in 2022. This archive is supported by the Leeway Art and Change Grant and my love.

What is in the archive?

Saffron contains a range of materials that represent the intersection of LGBTQ+ and SWANA identity. You can find interviews, t-shirts, cassettes, incense burners, publications, posters, artwork, books and more. Please see the criteria and list of materials we collect on our donate page.

How do I visit?

Saffron: An LGBTQ+ SWANA Archive is a collecting project designed by Caitlin Abadir-Mullally (kt). The collections live at her private residence. Send an email to schedule a visit!

Get in touch! Email me!

2020 - Present