Speaking OUT: Queer Youth in Focus is a photographic essay that collectively explores a wide spectrum of experiences told from the perspective of a diverse group of youth ages 14 to 24 identifying as queer (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning). Portraits are presented without judgment and/or stereotype by eliminating environmental influence with a stark white backdrop.



This backdrop acts as a blank canvas to be filled with each subject's point of view handwritten onto the final chromogenic print. With more than 70 portraits photographed over a period of ten years, Speaking OUT provides a rare insight into the ever evolving passions, confusions, prejudices, fulfillment, joys, and sorrows voiced by queer youth.



The collection of voices captured by this book strives to raise awareness by reinforcing there is strength in numbers, power in words and freedom in art.