“Think critically and be more tender when approaching queer stories.” Mengwen Cao

Transgender Day of Awareness was 11/20. It is a time set aside to remember those who lives were lost in acts of violence towards them. As time goes by, we begin to realize how much the threat of brutality has hidden queer experience from the public. There is a lot to learn.

This is a good time for photographers to think seriously about how they approach their work. Are we stuck in an old conception of queerness and thus unknowingly perpetuate stereotypes? Do we unconsciously exploit communities to which we do not belong? Throughout history, people have relied on photography to show us the world around us, so it is critical that we create an accurate and considerate record.

This link will take you to a short essay written by Mengwen Cao, who is a photographer/cultural organizer/artist/educator. It has a few points to sensitize you to some of the issues and provides a link to Photoshelter’s more complete guide.

Do your research first, then ask questions that can’t be answered by search engines. Respect that intimacy and trust need to be earned with care and over time. The safe space queer communities co-create is sacred. Let us see your heart and we will invite you in.

—Mengwen Cao

Screen capture (detail) from a video “coming-out letter” to their parents by Mengwen Cao, part of the “Here We Are” series on their website