“HUSH” is an exploration of the 2SLGBTQIA+ experience through the lens of both personal struggle and societal repression. As an emerging photographer with a deeply personal connection to the themes of this project, I created this series to give a voice to the underrepresented struggles within the LGBTQ+ community, particularly ones that often remain hidden or silenced.
Through bold, high-contrast lighting and symbolic imagery, this series addresses themes of repression from sources both in and outside the LGBTQ+ community. Each of the 20 photographs is a piece of a larger conversation about visibility, identity, and the constant fight against both external and internal marginalization. From rainbow duct tape symbolizing the judgement from peers to the cage that represents the emotional and physical constraints imposed by society (and ourselves), these images are a direct reflection of the nuanced experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, those who face not just the bigotry of the outside world, but also the difficulties of finding acceptance within their own community.
The models, CJ Pirtle and Milo Elliot, who are a transgender couple, provided invaluable insight into the creation of this work. Their raw, authentic contributions shaped the emotional depth of the images, bringing the project to life in ways that could not have been achieved through a traditional photographic approach. Their presence in these photos reflects the strength and vulnerability that defines their journey and the journeys of many others in the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
This series is not just about the challenges that individuals face but also about the resilience, the power of self-expression, and the beauty of owning one’s identity despite the challenges. It is my hope that “HUSH” will provoke thought, foster dialogue, and inspire action. I also aim to support the community beyond the gallery walls, with a portion of the proceeds from print sales being donated to LGBTQ+ organizations to help continue the fight for acceptance and equality.
Through this exhibition, I aim to create an environment that both elevates these voices and challenges us to continue to listen, to understand, and to act. The HUSH project is my attempt to bring these often-unheard voices into the light and create space for true dialogue and change.
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