Growing up as a child of the church certain values were instilled in me that I didn’t question or explore deeply. Three years ago as a part of my role in public safety, I was asked by Project R.I.G.H.T. in the Boston, Grove Hall community to fund a Lesbian, Gay, Bi-Sexual, Straight and Transgender group for youth in the minority community who were in severe conflict. As a supporter, I attended several sessions and was amazed at the complexity of issues with which these young people were facing on a daily basis.
This forced me to understand more about what I had been taught as a child. What I realized is that my photography has a way of being able to take you/me to places you/I may feel uncomfortable. Expanding my photography has required me to expand my views and examine my personal values and often- unchallenged beliefs.
My gratitude to Liz, Karen and Henri who invited me to photograph my First Drag Queen Show: “Drag Queen Divas Give Back”.
Not only did I learn about shooting concerts in low light- I also learned about suffering, bullying and the treatment the LGBT community receives from so called “straight people”.
I learned how to laugh at myself and most importantly I made some new friends. Yesterday’s photo (#155) and all this week, I will showcase shots on my 365 site from that show.
If the only prayer you ever say in your whole life is “thank you,” that would suffice. – Meister Eckhart
Thaddeus Miles 365 Project Page 