Room 107 Day Inn Hotel, Burlington, Vermont, 2017 is a poignant self-portrait that continues Muholi’s exploration of identity, visibility, and the lived experiences of Black LGBTQIA+ individuals. As part of the artist’s ongoing series Somnyama Ngonyama (Hail the Dark Lioness), this work examines the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality while confronting a traditionally white, heteronormative gaze.

Set in a modest hotel room, the stark contrast between Muholi’s commanding presence and the mundane environment adds layers of tension. The setting evokes themes of displacement and belonging, while the neutral backdrop accentuates the vulnerability and resilience of Black queer bodies often relegated to the margins. Muholi’s direct gaze and poised stance embody defiance and unapologetic visibility. The work also resonates with Vermont’s history of resistance, particularly its role in the anti-apartheid divestment movement of the 1980s. The University of Vermont’s historic divestment from South Africa aligned with global struggles against systemic oppression. Like this activism, Muholi’s portrait asserts a radical commitment to visibility, self-determination, and the fight for justice.