Eye to Eye: Portraits of Lesbians
Without a visual identity, we have no community, no support network, no movement. Making ourselves visible is a political act, making ourselves visible is a continual process.
— JEB (Joan E Biren)
In 1979, JEB (Joan E. Biren) self-published her first book, Eye to Eye: Portraits of Lesbians. The photographic collection is an intimate and tender study of lesbians in their everyday lives — working, parenting, protesting, in celebration and in love.
Melanie, Lynne, Susie and Jamey. Boston, Massachusetts, 1978
"There is a disabled closet as well as a Lesbian closet. It was an easy transition for me to come out because I always had to be a strong woman." Connie Panzarino. New York City, 1979
Darquita and Denyeta. Alexandria, Virginia, 1979
Priscilla and Regina. Brooklyn, New York, 1979.
Pagan and Kady. Monticello, New York, 1978
Gloria and Charmaine. Baltimore, Maryland, 1979
A gentle reminder to anyone in doubt - queer folk and families exist, and have ALWAYS existed. We exist with tender resilience and joy and fierce resistance. We exist between and beyond the margins, whether out and proud or more quietly. We exist far beyond the performative allyship of big corps and rainbow capitalism.
Sending the biggest, brightest, queerest love to all my LGBTIQ+ siblings this Pride Month (and beyond). I hope you remember that you are magic, and know that you deserve to love and be loved, to exist as your authentic self, to find your community, and to raise your families safely.
All my love,
Lilly x
30.06.2021
