Photography has always been used as a tool to document and capture moments in life, and acts as a window into people stories. In many cases photography allows people to express their emotions and invites the viewer to awaken their senses and get perspective into the lives of others.
Over the years, photography has been used to challenge the general understanding of sexuality and gender and plays a key role in the continuous fight for change and equality within LGBTQ communities.
Media
Typically in the media, LGBTQ representation is largely stereotypical with flamboyant, camp, and feminine men; butch and manly women; drag queens; and little, if any, representation of individuals who don’t identify with a sex at all. Take the hit US show, “” for example. Whilst I am guilty of watching the show and ultimately loving it, it ticks about every stereotypical box for gay men. They’re camp, they’re into fashion, grooming, interior design etc. Obviously there are individuals who will relate to, and fit into, these stereotypes which there is obviously nothing wrong with, however they are not wholly inclusive and certainly don’t resonate with every single person. Whilst it’s great there is representation at all, the media still has a long way to go and needs to dig a little deeper into what it actually means to identify as LGBTQ.
Cultural
LGBTQ is widely discussed in western cultures and is gaining a wider acceptance but it’s still illegal in a lot of countries. People are living in secrecy but photography can bring awareness to the oppression these groups have faced. Photographer describes herself as a “visual activist” and most of her work focuses on black LGBTQIA+ and gender-non-conforming individuals from South Africa. Although homosexuality is not illegal in South Africa, individuals and communities still face a lot of challenges and violence. Muholi’s photo series “Faces and Phases” showcases the strength of a community subjected to hatred and violence and compels you to feel respect and recognition for the women involved.
Eric Gyamfi’s series “Just Like Us” takes a different approach and he sought to portray the everyday lives of individuals within the LGBTQ communities in Ghana. Not showing people as anything other than ‘normal’ can quash widespread misconceptions about LGBTQ and Gyamfi believes showing people in their every-day lives “can be powerful and has the potential to draw empathy or to make people feel connected where they may feel otherwise disconnected”.
LGBTQ is a taboo subject in India and in 2013, the country’s Supreme Court reinstated an outdated law, again making homosexuality illegal. Queer culture is largely secretive in India but paint an intimate picture of Delhi as they give us an an insight into the daily lives of closeted men and secret affairs as well as openly gay couples as they explore and celebrate queer culture in India.
Stock photography
Photos of people are everything at the moment, in particular images that show diversity in general and images of real people showcasing their individuality and personality. We’re seeing a rise in the desire for images that show real life sensations and emotions, and make you feel connected to the people around you, this includes sexuality and just in general. We have a lot of coverage of Pride marches and rallies but we lack diverse, authentic, LGBTQ content from all cultures where the viewer can emotionally connect to the individuals.
Photography provides a vital platform for expression and allows people to embrace their identity. There are plenty more showcasing LGBTQ community diversity and hopefully you’ve been inspired to document this into your own photography.