Queer Lens: A History of Photography

Queer Lens: A History of Photography
Jun 17, 2025 – Sep 28, 2025

1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049

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 gradual proliferation 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.

Image: Gay Activists at First Gay Pride Parade, Christopher Street, New York, 1970; printed 2021, Arthur Tress. Gelatin silver print. Getty Museum. Gift of David Knaus. © Arthur Tress Archive LLC


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