Rachelle Lee Smith - Speaking OUT

Photography, at its most basic, is a juxtaposition of light and darkness. Capturing an image with the perfect blend of these two things is an art. Rachelle Lee Smith achieves that high standing and raises the bar by bringing not only the light and darkness of the image into focus but also the light and darkness of her subjects. In this profoundly moving and important collection, the art of photography is beautifully pressed beyond its printed product and into the real world where sexuality, love, and identity, and the damage that can be wreaked upon each of them, is exposed.

Gretta Vosper

Minister and author of With or Without God: Why the Way We Live Is More Important than What We Believe

Its often said that our youth are our future. In the LGBT community, before they become the future we must help them survive today. This book showcases the diversity of creative imagination it takes to get us to tomorrow.

Mark Segal

Publisher, Philadelphia Gay News and the nations most awarded LGBT journalist

Speaking OUT: Queer Youth in Focus

Rachelle Lee Smith 2014

This edition 2014 PM Press

ISBN: 978-1-62963-041-0

LCCN: 2014908062

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

Design by Chris Beck

Cover by John Yates www.stealworks.com

Additional layout by Jonathan Rowland

PM Press

P.O. Box 23912

Oakland, CA 94623

www.pmpress.org

Reach and Teach

144 West 25th Avenue

San Mateo, CA 94403

www.reachandteach.com

Printed in the USA by the Employee Owners of Thomson-Shore in Dexter, Michigan www.thomsonshore.com

this book is dedicated to my family for supporting me as a queer youthand adult Megan for supporting me unconditionally and queer youth everywhere for constant inspiration

Candace Gingrich

I first had the pleasure to meet Rachelle in 2007 when her Pride/Prejudice: Voices of GLBT Youth photograph collection was featured as the first exhibit to be hosted in the Human Rights Campaigns new headquarters. I always enjoy meeting someone who also hails from Pennsylvania, but I dont often meet someone who has the impact that Rachelle and her art are able to offer. The photos were stark, bold, and powerful, and allowed the voices of the subjects to accompany their images. The publication of Speaking OUT: Queer Youth in Focus now makes those voices accessible to a wider array of individuals than those lucky enough to attend an exhibit.

But just because there has been visibility doesnt mean that the voices of LGBTQ people are being heard.

Generation Equalitythe current generation of young Americansis more supportive of LGBTQ equality and people than any other in the history of the country. It makes senseto young people today it seems unimaginable that there was ever a time when queer people did not exist. We talk about digital nativesthose who have grown up with smart phones, social media, and the internet. I think that members of this generation are queer natives. From an early age they have been aware that LGBTQ people exist, either by knowing someone personally or seeing representations of queer people in the media.

But just because there has been visibility doesnt mean that the voices of LGBTQ people are being heard. In fact, as the age of coming out continues to decrease, we still too often see the children should be seen and not heard mantra in play. This is why this book is important and necessary. As Rachelle has stated regarding her photos and the book, I wanted to give people a chance to have a voice, to speak and be heard, even just a little bit.

Speaking OUT has the ability to change perceptions, attitudes, and even the self-esteem of those who read it.

Rachelle succeeds in giving that voice to many, and the chorus is a powerful one. Speaking OUT has the power to educate a wide audiencefrom individuals who think they dont know anyone queer, to queer people who feel that their own situations are unique. Rachelle says, When people can relate their stories to someone of a different perspective, thats when change can happen. The book also succeeds in showing the beautiful and amazing diversity of the LGBTQ community, something often missing in the mainstream media.

Speaking OUT: Queer Youth in Focus has the ability to change perceptions, attitudes, and even the self-esteem of those who read it. This book should be required reading for teachers, parents, counselors, advisors, and PTA members. I applaud Rachelle for creating such a beautiful and impactful vehicle for change, and know that its impact will be felt through all generations.

THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS, POWER IN WORDS, AND FREEDOM IN ART.

is a photographic essay that explores a wide spectrum of experiences told from the perspective of a diverse group of young people, ages fourteen to twenty-four, identifying as queer (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning). Over a decade, I have worked both as artist and activist to use photographic portraits with the subjects own words to highlight the myriad differences and commonalities of queer identity.

Portraits are presented without judgment or stereotype by eliminating environmental influence with a stark white backdrop. This backdrop acts as a blank canvas, where each subjects personal thoughts are handwritten onto the final photographic print. What makes this body of work so powerful is not only that each individual is given the spotlight and a chance to have a voice, but also the strength of the group as a whole.

Speaking OUT gives a voice to an underserved group of people that are seldom heard and often silenced. The collaboration of image and accompanying text serves to provide an outlet, show support, open minds, and help those who struggle. It not only shows unification within the LGBTQ community but also the commonalities across all borders regardless of age, race, gender, and sexual orientation.

Now, more than ever, these voices need to be heard.

I believe there is strength in numbers, power in words, and freedom in art, and I strive to raise awareness with this book.

This collection of youth from all over the world is utterly moving as they show what its like to come into your own as part of a community that struggles with its own identity and place in society.

Queerty

T he physical development of Speaking OUT: Queer Youth in Focus