One day, in the craziness of the news and emails I see every day, two opposing themes popped up: ‘Not Human’ – an anti-gay leader said something about LGBT people not being human; ‘Born Perfect’ – NCLR campaign to end conversion therapy for minors.
Putting those two phrases together, it occurred to me that there are many people who identify as LGBT who may not be visible (human) even among others in the LGBT community. Race, gender, body size, age, disability. These are all seen as some to be barriers to overall equality and acceptance. That is what will be captured in this exhibit.
Everyone has a story to tell. What would happen if each person were to break down the façade that each of us presents to others, to strip down to the raw story that defines them and makes them unique?
Each photo in this project tells a different story, with a different person. These stories are true. The people are real. When completed, this project will include 50 stories. For now, here are the first stories
a middle aged man, seeming to float in a meditative state, grew up before the rise of the Internet, but always on the leading edge of electronic communications.
Introverted city planner. It is not that he is closeted and he is not shy. No, this is the way of an introvert.
For many young gay men, part of the self-acceptance of the coming out process also includes different levels of immersion in the drag community. As a gay man who has recently become comfortable with who he is, here he is like a new baby, as he begins to put on the makeup of a young drag queen.
A mixed race couple, one an immigrant and dancer, the other an HIV+ community leader, draped in the aerial dance silks to bind their love.
Reducing the stigma of people living with HIV, much like navigating the roads on a bicycle.
In Iran, it is the ultimate insult to have a photo taken with no shoes on. The Baha’i religion is a very open, inclusive religion, except for when you are gay. Showing no disrespect, this Iranian medic stands before you, taking the pulse of the religion with which he grew up.
For many in the LGBT community, there remains an on-going struggle with the religion of our childhood. This 7th Day Adventist, has used music to ease that struggle.
A survivor of years of conversion therapy discovers the truth in his torn and tattered Bible as his religious chains are finally released.
An Asian man who grew up competing in track, as was expected of him, while his passion is in musical theater.
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