Door Gods - Singha Hon

This door god artwork created by artist Singha Hon draws inspiration from the W.O.W. Team’s conversations with the 25 From Chinatown With Love 2025: Wood Fire Snake Year participating businesses. Traditionally, door gods or menshen are heavily armed, fierce, masculine warriors guarding private homes from evil. Through this queer interpretation, we honor the legacy of women and queer protectors of the Chinatown community – from garment workers to housing justice organizers, from community herbalists to social workers, from martial artists to cultural workers. Rooted in our diverse histories, these queer door gods act as protectors of communal care, guiding us forward. 

As the Year of the Wood Snake opens its doors, 2025 brings with it the looming Chinatown megajail construction amid worsening gentrification and escalating attacks on immigrant communities. Armed with symbols of longevity, protection, resistance, and prosperity, these queer community protectors reflect our community’s resilience, reminding us of the inherent mutual aid practices embedded in our every day. At the dawn of the new year, we call in symbols from Chinatown’s rich movement history to renew our collective strength. With this beaming ray of light, we step into this new year ready to confront any challenges ahead.

All proceeds support The W.O.W. Project.