Breaking Down Barriers - LGBTQ+ Couples in Media

As we are moving in the month of June, also know as Pride month, I realized that I had no images of same-sex couples in my portfolio. This will not due. I have long-been an advocate for the gay population, but without the images and representation, it's hard for people to trust me. I chose to run a model-call and offer three free sessions to couples.

Although I am not part of the LGBTQ community, I believe that every person and every love story should be shared. Consenting adults should be portrayed in the media and their relationships and their love should not be taboo. As a mom, (and a good human) I believe that being unkind to a person based on their sexuality or sexual identify is a far greater sin than to be gay.

Jenna and Natalie were my first couple that I photographed. They wanted a cozy country vibe. Despite the freezing temperatures, they killed their session. These two had the most amazing chemistry. There were hidden giggles and "You are so beautiful!" muttered in between shots. Without being a total creep, I could have photographed them all day. Having met while working on a play together, this couple has been going strong for two years. They are both creatives and animal lovers, no wonder we got along swimmingly!

During the model call, I wanted to make sure that my couples were the star of the show. So often, on television and in books, the queer person is a sub character. In these photos, I wanted my couples to have main character energy. Chelsea and Val's session was a bit different though, since they brought along the pups, Penny and Jimmy. These doggos frequently tried to steal the spotlight from the newly engaged couple.

Val may have had the most intricate and sweet proposal I have heard in years. Val planned everything down to a date with a hidden meaning to propose to Chelsea. She proposed in the couple's favorite book store and the couple swapped outfits to showcase the bookstore's name.

Why is it so important for same-sex couples to be shown in media? Great question, I am glad that you asked. Because it's normal. It's occurring. The visibility is important for them. It's also important for the people who haven't yet come out yet. I photograph families and seniors. I have photographed youth who are experimenting with their own sexuality. I want them to see me as a safe person to be themselves. To let their guard down and present their most authentic self. Although their sexuality is part of who they are, it is not the one and only defining characteristic of who they are. My couples are readers, animal activists, law enforcement officers, honor role students, runners, teachers, and loving partners.

Jonny and Cody were my last couple that I photographed. After a weather-related reschedule, we opted to do the session in their yarden (yard/garden). The couple lives in a gorgeous historic home with the most specular landscaping and mature trees. I geeked out over the foliage just as much as I did hearing about how they met (spoiler: it was Subway!)

In the state of Iowa, there's legislation that's been drafted to remove the rights of people in the LGBTQ community. To take away their marriages, gender-affirming health care, medical benefits, and even their ability to foster and adopt children. This is wrong on so many levels. Please reach out to your local representatives and voice your opinion. The LGBTQ community has faced so many obstacles, barriers, and threats. Do not take away the progress they have made. Having spoken to a gay man recently, he informed me that he was targeted, and his home was vandalized within the last year. On what basis you may ask? Because he is a man that kisses another man and believes public libraries should have books about two dads. The reality is that there are some kids that have two dads or two moms. That is normal and those kids should have the opportunity to read about different families. It's not making a child gay by reading about the world around them. They already see two moms cheering on their child at Parks & Rec soccer.

I will continue to promote love and equality. I know in my heart, the difference between right and wrong. And taking away someone's rights because you disagree with the way they love is wrong. Do better, Iowa.

Special thank you to all the amazing couples that applied to be photographed. Keep loving hard and posting your own snapshots. Do not ever let someone silence your love.