Twenty-seven-year-old Philadelphia photographer Rachelle Smith photographed lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) young people for her series of photographs, “Pride/Prejudice: A Focus on Gay Youth.” And what’s more interesting, she let her subjects write about themselves on the final photos. One of the pictures in the series includes a young black man with these words written on it: “Please check one: black, gay. Try both….” These pictures speak a thousand words—or as many as you can fit into the frame.

 

Sex, Etc.: What was your experience coming out, and how did that influence your decision to do this exhibit?

Although, not EVERYONE knew [I was a lesbian], the friends and family who were informed took it great. I had a surprisingly supportive group of friends and family. The few “out” kids in my high school were relentlessly picked on. But I was pretty low-key, and no one ever bothered me. It wasn’t until college when many of my friends were victims of hate crimes that I realized that this [anti-LGBTQ violence] does happen. I wanted to do something about it. I understood that I was an exception and very fortunate, and that I had the power and means to give an outlet to LGBTQ people.

Sex, Etc.: How did you get started in photography and photographing LGBTQ people?

I took my dad’s old camera and a high school photography class and was hooked. I was pretty shy, and I learned that the camera could be used as a mask when taking pictures of people. This helped me open up socially and visually. I later graduated with a B.F.A. in photography from the University of the Arts, in Center City, Philadelphia.

In the beginning, I involved friends and acquaintances. The project then expanded to friends of friends and by word of mouth, and I also advertised around town, schools and local youth centers.

Sex, Etc.: Where did the idea for the subjects to write on the pictures come from?

I wanted to collaborate. I wanted to separate the subjects from their typical environment and let their own words tell the story. By shooting film, hand-printing the photos and having the subjects write directly on the print, it further personalizes our collaboration and lets the individuals have control over how they want their story to be viewed.

Sex, Etc.:  Who would you consider to be the perfect audience for this series?

Anyone and everyone. I, of course, think it is necessary for the LGBTQ community to see these. I have had LGBTQ people comment to me that they didn’t know others felt similarly, or that they didn’t know they had happiness to look forward to or something to fight for. It means a lot to communicate within the community.

Sex, Etc.: I imagine the photo shoot would be pretty intense. Do your subjects usually speak to you about their sexuality while you photograph them?

Yes, the photo shoots can be intense, but never in an overwhelming or bad way. At least my intentions are for them to be as calm and comfortable as possible. Some people feel really comfortable in front of the camera, and it takes others a while to warm up. It is an interesting process, because ideally, I am trying to capture the person as him or herself.

Sex, Etc.: But how do you do that when you are in a studio with a camera, backdrop and under lights?

Want to see more? Check out Rachelle’s work.