Photographer Joan E. Biren, known as JEB, began touring in 1979 to present a slide show that curated images of queer women, cultivating a sense of belonging. At a time when lesbians lacked representation and visibility, she recorded her experiences and relationships to help establish a shared history. Her recent presentation at the Leslie Lohman Museum of Art demonstrated the lasting significance of her work as audiences engaged with the images and stories that honor and celebrate lesbian life and identity.
"I started touring at a time when lesbians had no place in society and no known history. I wanted us to feel like we belonged in a bigger world."
JEB's story shows just how radical it is to establish and share images of a community that has been relegated to the margins or completely hidden from view.
The photos are all focussed on queer women, from different places and historical eras, creating a kaleidoscopic history of women presenting themselves to the camera lens.
It was meaningful for the audience to see these photos and to hear JEB discuss the stories behind them.
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