A first of its kind exhibit, We Are Family: Portraits of LGBTQ+ Families on the Central Coast is on display now through the month of June at The Bunker SLO, 810 Orcutt Rd. in San Luis Obispo. This project is spearheaded by the GALA Pride & Diversity Center.
The exhibit captures eight families on the Central Coast of California who represent our LGBTQ+ community. Created as a response to the surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, including more than 500 (and counting – a historically record-number) state bills limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ people in these first several months of 2023, an alarming increase in threats and violence against LGBTQ+ people, and direct attacks on family-friendly queer events and spaces, this project showcases the diversity, beauty, joy, love and connection in our LGBTQ+ families here on the Central Coast. Portraits provide a window into families that belong here, thrive here, and are glorious in exactly who they are.
Local photographers Renoda Campbell and Summer Truschke worked with curator Laura Albers with Central Coast Pride and Gala Pride & Diversity Center to create a visual display of the normalcy, approachability, vulnerability, and joy that exists in these Central Coast families. “In this series, I interpret ‘family’ as a group of individuals who offer unconditional love and accept one another wholeheartedly,” says Campbell, who captured studio portraits in black and white. “They transcend the boundaries of blood relations, for family is not solely defined by genetics. True family comprises those who love you unconditionally, support you, and provide the necessary challenges for personal growth.” In contrast and complementary to Campbell’s black and whites, Truschke offered a colorful glimpse into each family. “I visited locations that were hand-selected by each family to represent a place that meant something of significance to them and/or that they felt comfortable being in as an LGTBQ+ family. I didn’t ask them to pose, but listened to them talk about how they met, family traditions, or tease each other. I didn’t use any external lighting or staged settings, letting each moment unfold as it naturally would. I didn’t try to capture perfect photos, I tried to capture stories.”
The families come from throughout San Luis Obispo and northern Santa Barbara Counties. “I was touched by how committed each of these families were to this experience – knowing their photos might be seen around the world by the time the project is over, but dedicated to being a part of building visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ families and all families – no matter what they look like.” said Albers. The Uyeda-Love Family added, “We have contributed in many ways to our community through voluntary work on nonprofit boards and school booster organizations. We believe connection heals. Like all families, we are ordinary and extraordinary!”
The We Are Family: Portraits of LGBTQ+ Families on the Central Coast exhibit opening reception will be held Friday June 9, from 5:30 – 8pm, at The Bunker SLO (810 Orcutt Rd., SLO) and is open to all. The exhibit will remain installed throughout the month of June.
For more information, go to https://www.slopride.com/events, or email [email protected].