Bringing Light ...

Growing up as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) in a world where heterosexuality and gender conformity are the norm is a challenge for many of us who live outside the parameters of the American Dream. Many years ago, as we were coming out and being honest about who we were, there was little community support, education, or advocacy for LGBT people and LGBT families. The popular images and representations then, and to some extent today, demonized and looked down upon LGBT individuals. We were never shown the humanity and love that is part of all families, including LGBT families. In some ways, a possible consequence of coming out was losing one’s family.

But as we got older, we realized that there were many others like us who celebrated their lives with their families—both families of origin and families of choice. We learned of couples who had spent thirty, forty, even fifty years together. We learned of families with kids, pets, in the cities and in the suburbs, families that were out, and ones that were forced to stay hidden. We learned of many other families, all of whom were connected through love for one another. All of them were recreating and redefining their version and vision of the American Dream.

But, we did not come upon those families in the media—not on TV, movies, magazines, newspapers, nor in any other spheres of public life. We came across these families through our personal and community connections. It was clear that our families were left strategically hidden from the public eye.

This project therefore is our attempt to bring light to those who have been placed in the margins of society. We hope to bring light to those whose voices and images have been ignored for too long. And we hope to bring light to those who are willing to learn and accept our families and our dreams.

We want to thank Hannah Frieser, director of Light Work/Community Darkrooms, and artist Ellen M. Blalock for their immense dedication to this project. This project would not have come to fruition without their spirit, dedication, and belief in social justice.

Special thanks to the following:

Ellen M. Blalock
Hannah Frieser
Syracuse University LGBT Resource Center
Light Work/Community Darkrooms
Jackie Micieli, Graduate Assistant, SU LGBT Resource Center (2006-07)
Chancellor's Feinstone Grants for Multicultural Initiatives
U. Encounter Grant, Division of Student Affairs

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