Holding Space is a powerful new book of queer portraiture centering interracial LGBTQ+ couples, exploring the intersections of identity and the importance of representation through photography. Renowned photographer Ryan Pfluger shares his journey of reclaiming power and control through the lens and creating space for marginalized voices to tell their stories.
Pfluger’s introduction to the book dives into the complexity of identity and the intersections of privilege and marginalization. As a queer, nonbinary, white artist, he grapples with his own identity and how it impacts his work. His upbringing, marked by addiction and being outed at a young age, shaped his desire to control the narrative and create art that is thoughtful, loving, and healing.
Through Holding Space, Pfluger set out to explore intersectionality through portraiture, focusing on interracial LGBTQ+ couples within his social circle. He relinquished control, allowing his subjects to choose the setting, dress or undress as they pleased, and touch each other in some fashion. The result is a stunning collection of over 70 portraits, accompanied by first-person essays that chronicle the stories of these couples and their experiences of love, heartbreak, and resilience.
However, it’s worth noting that some of the example photos featured in the book may be considered NSFW (Not Safe For Work), as they include nudity and intimate moments between the couples. The book is a celebration of queer love in the 21st century, and a powerful testament to the importance of representation and allowing marginalized voices to control their own narratives. Find the book at Amazon.com, and immerse yourself in the beauty and complexity of queer love and intersectionality through Ryan Pfluger’s lens.