GOOGLE LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVITY
LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVITY SHOOT
HEY FRIENDS!
Let me tell you about one of the top 3 most important days of my entire 36 years on this planet. I have had to come to terms with the fact that my words will not do this story justice, so I will keep it brief and allow the stories and images to speak for themselves.
For me, 2019 has been the year of speaking up. Saying “YES” when I typically would’ve let fear of being seen take over my life forcing me to run away and live in the shadows of other people’s stories. I was content living behind the scenes, and blending in with the world as it passed me by. When the lesbian Indian wedding I photographed went viral in 2013, I believe it took the world by surprise. LGBTQ+ couples were desperate for their love stories to be told, and I just happened to be right there ready to tell them. I had no idea that through telling other’s stories for almost a decade that I would be asked (and actually feel more comfortable) to share my own journey on a much larger scale with clients who are shaping how the world views our community.
When some of the crew at Google & Hook Agency went searching for LGBTQ+ stock photography for a project, they came up empty handed. Mackenzie, who was spearheading this project, found that most images were overly posed and lacking in representation of our trans friends, POC and the LGBTQ+ community over 50. When she told me the problem they ran into and that she thought of me (still have passed out thrice about this), I immediately saw an incredible opportunity to bring people together. If what they were looking for is the real deal, then what better way to do that than to bring people together (most meeting for the first time) who are doing big things in our community? All in one room. To connect. For an entire day. I trust my team to do what they’re good at, and that is documenting these genuine connections in an organic setting. Basically, a lot of “shoot when you’re not supposed to be shooting”- Linger in the corners when people are first meeting and don’t interrupt their flow, but just BE and exist with them in that moment. I’m so proud of my team and for the new friends who trusted me, my team and my client on this day. Sharing your story softens hearts and can ultimately save a life.
FROM THE CLIENT:
GOOGLE + HOOK AGENCY // MACKENZIE THOMAS
What was the most memorable part of the day for you and why?
As we introduced ourselves, hesitations and walls were quickly removed. Many times, the group of folks in the room has to, consciously or subconsciously, has to hide parts of our identities. This was the opposite. Going around the room and merely saying why we were present quickly shifted the demeanor in the room and lifted any veils of fear. We were all present to show the world how diverse, normal, and fantastic the LGBTQ+ community is. As Portia reminded us all to not forget our elders and Kris said “say my pronouns,” the room continued to turn more and more into a family, celebrating each other while also holding one another accountable. We can be better. I also absolutely loved when we were blasting Robyn and the day truly turned into a celebration of all that is amazing in our community.
Why do you feel that this day and this photoshoot were important and how do you hope it will make an impact?
5 or 6 years ago when I stumbled upon some of Steph’s photography, I realized that for one of the first times, I saw myself… While I had spent years passionately following wedding photography (apparently I was a hopeless romantic in college!), it wasn’t for a few years that I realized that I was not seeing myself represented in all of these loving photos. Steph’s work really changed that. As I sat in my childhood bedroom at the time, I was in awe, really seeing myself represented in this form of photography that I long loved. And it was all just normal.
Now working in tech, I’m consistently reminded of the importance of visibility. Though society wasn’t built for my sexuality and relationships, it was built for my skin color. As a white, cisgender able-bodied woman in tech, the privilege has never been stronger. I see people like me every day at work, in magazines, on TV. We walk through our offices and cities, constantly surrounded by people like us.
So it was this privilege, combined with my understanding of the importance of visibility in the LGBTQ+ community that drove me again to Steph. As we built this project, we wanted to continue ensure that representation and intersectionality was present at every step. From the “models” (aka just real, beautiful people!) to the photographers to the wardrobe team, everyone brought their own identity, and shared it proudly. We ensured that different ages, races, abilities, bodies, and stories were represented. I’m proud that Steph was able to support us in building this day and hopeful that visibility within our LGBTQ+ family, especially people of color in the gender non-conforming and trans communities, only continues to grow.
Who do you feel like you connected with most during this experience and why?
This is truly an impossible question to answer given that I feel like we went from a diverse team of ~20 to a real family in the span of a day or two. We’ve all stayed in touch months later and I know that we’ll continue to support one another day in and day out.
“Had I been exposed to someone who looked like me, talked like me, and acted like me, I wouldn’t have spent so many very unhappy years trying to force myself into an image of femininity. What we did during this shoot will show kids what the possibilities are as they grow and define their own identities.”
“This entire photo shoot was seriously a life changing experience for me. To be able to have a voice in a community of people where we have been made outsiders. To show the world how diverse we truly are and that we are here for each other. I hope that this will inspire people to keep moving forward and to never give up.”
“Through this project, Steph Grant Studios is helping to give voice to those of my generation that far too often feel invisible. By including LGBTQ+ elders, they have shown that our efforts are appreciated and LGBTQ+ seniors do indeed matter.”
“This project started as a means of representation, but ended as so much more. This is a love letter; a message in a bottle sent from us and found by you. ”