The fabulous GETTY CENTER in LA  is spoiling us as it currently has TWO must-see exhibitions of queer photography. 

$3 Bill celebrates the contributions of LGBTQ+ artists in the last century. From pioneers who explored sexual and gender identity in the first half of the 20th century, through the liberation movements and the horrors of the HIV/AIDS epidemics, to today’s more inclusive and expansive understanding of gender, $3 Bill presents a journey of resilience, pride, and beauty.

In this exhibition, they openly acknowledge the complex history of the word “queer” in their wall text and talk about its reclamation by the LGBTQ+ community. In this context, it is not derogatory, but a word of inclusivity and empowerment. Additionally, “Queer” is gender neutral and includes those who are left out of LGBT identifiers (such as intersex).

They use the word with intentionality, awareness, and respect.

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Since the mid-19th century, photography has served as a powerful tool for examining concepts of gender, sexuality, and self-expression. The immediacy and accessibility of the medium has played a transformative role in the gradualproliferation of homosocial, homoerotic, and homosexual imagery.

Despite periods of severe homophobia, when many photographs depicting queer life were suppressed or destroyed, this exhibition brings together a variety of evidence to explore the medium’s profound role in shaping and affirming the vibrant tapestry of the LGBTQ+ community.

In the Queer Lens exhibition, we openly acknowledge the complex history of the word “queer” in our wall text and talk about its reclamation by the LGBTQ+ community. In this context, it is not derogatory, but a word of inclusivity and empowerment. Additionally, “Queer” is gender neutral and includes those who are left out of LGBT identifiers (such as intersex).

We use the word with intentionality, awareness, and respect.