Like a moodboard of masc ancestors, Rebels, Criminals, Pioneers: Masc Heroes of the QPA Queer Photo Archive (1906-1976)—curated by Leo Vargha and Jenni Olson—offers up dozens of images across various categories. From the “passing” men of a century ago, to the brave butches across the decades, to two amazing trans man heroes of the 1950s and 1970s — this stunning collection of nearly fifty large-format vintage news photos provides visceral confirmation of that classic queer saying: we have always been here.
Most significantly, the exhibit spotlights a gallery of folks who were arrested for living as men (Jack Starr, Joe Foley, Charles Williams, James Phipps, and others). The show explores various masc examples from theater and film, and the mainstream’s perennial fascination of women dressing up in “men’s” clothing. Plus, an eclectic variety of irresistibly handsome gender variant AFAB folks from across the 20th century. It also celebrates a pair of true pioneers: Sir Ewan Forbes, the Scottish baron who braved public visibility as a trans man in the early 1950s, and the late Steve Dain, the courageous Bay Area high school teacher who fought for trans rights 50 years ago in Emeryville.
Describing the title and motivations behind the exhibit, co-curators Olson and Vargha told The Queer Review: “We really hope that everyone will be inspired by the many queer heroes who have preceded us. May all of us — rebels, criminals, pioneers — bravely endure these difficult times together as a community.”
Co-curator Leo Vargha (he/him) is a trans student filmmaker and archivist at Warren Wilson College. You can find some of his darkroom recipes published in the upcoming edition of The Analog Cookbook. His co-curator Jenni Olson (she/her/TBD) is a queer film historian, archivist, writer, and filmmaker. She is the proud proprietor of Butch.org — where you can find links to watch her films and learn more about her work as a longtime champion of LGBTQ cinema.
The Castro’s local arts boutique, gallery, and gathering space at historic 575 Castro Street is steeped in LGBTQ+ history, and alive with work from over 70 local queer artists. Boutique and Gallery Open Hours: Monday 4pm-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 12pm-7pm, Sunday 12pm-6pm. 575 Castro Street, San Francisco, CA 94114
Visit QueerArtsFeatured.com for more information about the exhibition. Find out more about the QPA Queer Photo Archive at Butch.org.
