So’le Celestial (they/he) is a Trans Non-Binary, Queer, tinalao’an, gela’, Indigenous Chamoru multi-disciplinary artist and cultural worker. Born and raised on their ancestral land of Guåhan in the Mariana Islands, So’lerelocated in 2013 to the unceded ancestral lands of the Coast Salish people. In their academic journey, So’le pursued Indigenous Studies at The Evergreen State College, where they deepened their understanding of Indigenous sovereignty, history, and cultural resilience throughout Pasifika and Turtle Island. As an artist and cultural worker, So’le’s work honors the sacredness of both Indigenous Chamoru and Trans Non-Binary, Queer, and Gela’ identities. Through their art and music, they aim to create compassionate spaces for exploring the full spectrum of existence, honoring both their ancestors and themselves. By using art and music as powerful forms of storytelling, So’le cultivates environments where culture, identity, sexuality, and love are not only celebrated but nurtured. Their creations affirm that our existence is sacred, deserving of love, and full of power.
So’le is a co-founding member of the Trans & Queer Chamoru art collective, Guma’ Gela’, whose exhibit “Part Land, Part Sea, All Ancestry” was featured at The Wing Luke Museum from June 2023 to June 2024. They are also a co-founder of the Guma’ Gela’ Band, an extension of the collective, where they perform live island pop/folk music that transports audiences to the Mariana Islands. In February 2024, So’lecompleted an artist residency with the Jack Straw Cultural Center. So’le is also pursuing an independent music career as a singer/songwriter, producer, and audio engineer.
While So’le is not a human parent yet, they are a proud daddy to two beautiful dogs. They also enjoy listening to music, spending quality time with loved ones, and finding joy in quiet moments of reflection and creativity, always seeking balance and connection in both their personal and artistic life.
