Support Queer Inheritance
This work is largely self-funded, requiring extensive travel to ensure documentation of a diverse range of voices. I always try to meet with subjects through personal or work travel, but there remain a number of participants in cities or regions I otherwise don’t find myself in. You can make a tax-deductible online donation via PayPal by clicking the link below, and selecting “Donate to this project”. Donations made are 100% tax deductible in the U.S. thanks to our fiscal sponsor, Documentary Educational Resources, a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization:
www.der.org/programs/sponsored-projects/queer-inheritance
You may also send a check, payable to my fiscal sponsor Documentary Educational Resources. Write "Queer Inheritance" in the memo line and mail the check to:
Documentary Educational Resources
108 Water Street, 5A
Watertown MA 02472
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I began Queer Inheritance in May 2022 as a bridge to connect with elders in the LGBTQ+ community. Within the first year, Getty supported my project with a small artist grant which provided a foundation and validation of the importance of this vital work. In the years that followed, I’ve photographed dozens of subjects across the United States including the island of Hawaii.
I anticipate photographing another 120 subjects in preparation of a monograph to be released by 2029—the 60th anniversary of Stonewall. In addition to the production of the project, I also have exhibition proposals in review for LGBTQ+ festivals and museums across the country.
Until now and with the exception of the Getty’s initial support, this project has been entirely self-funded through my own dedication and financial efforts. In order to continue, I need to begin finding ways to financially support this time-sensitive and important work.
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Time is of the essence. Three of the subjects I’ve photographed have already passed away since starting this work. With additional financial assistance, this important project will be accelerated ensuring I can preserve as many stories as possible, allowing these voices to remain powerfully visible, and that we continue to encourage and nurture intergenerational dialogue and connections for decades. This money will go directly toward the production of this project.
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Historical preservation of elders from the emergence of the first visible LGBTQ+ community in the United States is of the utmost importance. Those who organized the first marches directly after Stonewall, positively influenced policy changes, had the courage to be firsts in their fields, author stories, become spiritual leaders, etc. Their stories, their wisdom, and these portraits are our Queer Inheritance.
My goal is to have this work completed by early 2028, with a monograph published in advance of the 60th anniversary of Stonewall in June 2029.
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Travel: While I’ve been fortunate to reach many people from Los Angeles to Provincetown, the diversity of voices and portraits from regions other than the localities easily accessible to me will remain an integral aspect to broaden the narrative while simultaneously underscoring the fact that LGBTQ+ people exist everywhere, not just urban metropolises. Financial assistance would cover the expenses of transportation and accommodations to visit and photograph subjects (I also accept miles).
Exhibitions: I have multiple exhibition proposals out with various LGBTQ+ festivals and museums and will continue to seek exhibition opportunities to share these important stories. My goal is to have community-centered and interactive exhibition receptions where visitors will be encouraged to dialogue with folks from different generations. Exhibiting the work involves many different costs including: framing and matting, making prints, transportation of the work, installation, and exhibition reception items.
Book: I’ve tentatively secured a book designer and plan to produce a monograph of this work of 150 subjects from across the United States, including text, essays, and a foreword, highlighting a generation of folks who came up and out at a time with fewer freedoms than we enjoy today. Exhibitions and reaching my goal of 150 subjects will help bolster the production of this book. While I’m not actively fundraising for a book, I’m keeping the door open to possible contributors who might be interested in seeing this work take a tangible form.
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Subject referrals: The focus of this work has been on those who are 55 and older, with an emphasis and priority for individuals and couples who are 70+. This age range is important because it uniquely positions subjects at an age where they are old enough to remember Stonewall and what life was like before it. I’m also invested in meeting with individuals who are community builders: artists, pastors, activists, authors.
Travel points: If you cannot contribute financially but are willing to contribute with travel miles and points for hotels or flights, it would be greatly appreciated. I do not travel luxuriously, and make many accommodations for the most budget friendly options available.
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If I were to answer that question personally, I would say that this work has been soul fuel. It has helped me find community, foster my inner authority, and build relationships that have changed my life forever. In just 3 years and after hours of cross-generational dialogue, I have emerged a radically different person. And the work is not done. But this work is not just for or about me. Queer Inheritance tells a larger story of our shared and very recent history, reminds us that our community exists beyond youth, and encourages the reciprocal benefits of intergenerational relationships.
So if you’re wondering what you get out of supporting this project, the answer is community. You are investing in the historical preservation of elders from a specific and pivotal time in American and LGBTQ+ history. Those who organized the first marches directly after Stonewall, changed politics, who had the courage to be the firsts in their fields, author stories, become spiritual leaders, etc. Their stories, their wisdom, these portraits, are our Queer Inheritance.
This project has been rooted in the community, and I plan to acknowledge in exhibit and book form everyone who has contributed to the production of this work. Considerations for framed or editioned prints could be discussed for those who wish to make special contributions.
