In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with photographer Jan Dee Gordon about her new book “LGBTQ of Steel” which is a compilation of striking portraits and personal profiles that captures the energy, optimism and resiliency of fifty LGBTQ heroes. Gordon celebrates LGBTQ individuals who bravely and without hesitation overcame unimaginable obstacles that threatened to hold them back, block their path and completely destroy their lives. The unmovable ribbon of steel symbolizes their individual struggles, hardships and ultimate triumphs. Some of the celebrities featured in the book include actor Alec Mapa, comedian Margaret Cho, The Daily Show’s Frank De Caro, former mayor of West Hollywood John Duran and 93 year-old Bob Clement who was at the Stonewall Inn Riot in 1969. Jan dedicated “LGBTQ of Steel” to her brother Ben Lewis who died of complications from AIDS in 1994. Unfortunately Ben was unable to live his life authentically and be true to himself as president of a bank and married with a daughter. He led a double life until he became ill. In his memory Jan shares these inspirational stories of people in his community who were able to finally and joyfully live openly including his daughter Soozin Lewis and her partner Brigit Biagiotti who are both in the book. In his memory a portion of the proceeds will be donated to AIDS research. We talked to Jan about what she hopes to accomplish with “LGBTQ of Steel” and her spin on our LGBTQ issues.
Jan Dee Gordon’s study of photography began in Paris, France and continued in New York at the International Center for Photography and then in Los Angeles at UCLA. Her distinctive pictures have appeared in magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and in several museums and galleries. They have also been selected by designers to decorate building lobbies and have been sold in stores throughout the United States. “LGBTQ of Steel” is the second book in her “Humanity of Steel” series. Her first was “Women of Steel” and currently she is developing the timely “Immigrants of Steel” to continue her theme of people using their inner strength to overcome life obstacles, using the comparison of the toughness of steel to successfully bend into their chosen paths.
For More Info: humanityofsteel.com
1 comment:
I am very excited to see Jan Dee Gordon's "LGBTQ of Steel". Sounds like this book could motivate more tolerance based on our common humanity. A good thing!
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