In the 1980s, while HIV/AIDS ravaged through the LGBTQ+ community, an environmental scientist and collector of African American art, Patric McCoy, was documenting the lives of gay Black men in Chicago. With a camera in hand, he snapped thousands of images of these men on the streets of Chicago. His images serve as a memorial to a difficult decade, by the end of which thousands would die of HIV/AIDS, including many of McCoy’s own friends, lovers, and subjects.
Now, a new exhibit titled “Patric McCoy: Take My Picture” is set to open at Wrightwood 659 in Chicago from April 14 – July 15, 2023. The exhibit features 50 black-and-white and color photographic portrayals of these images of gay Black men in the 1980s, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.
In these photographs, each man controlled how he appeared, making them particularly successful in capturing a moment in time and space. The exhibit is not just about the documentation of the lives of these men, but also a celebration of their strength and resilience in a difficult time.
McCoy’s photographs provide a glimpse into the lives of gay Black men in Chicago during the 1980s. Each portrait captures a sense of defiance and pride, showcasing the community’s spirit in the face of immense hardship. These images serve as a reminder of the many who were lost to HIV/AIDS, and as a testament to the bravery and resilience of those who survived.
The “Patric McCoy: Take My Picture” exhibit is not just a showcase of the resilience of gay Black men in the 1980s, but also a tribute to their lives and legacy. It is a powerful reminder of the impact that HIV/AIDS had on the LGBTQ+ community, and a testament to the strength of those who lived through it.
The exhibit is a must-see for those interested in photography, art, and LGBTQ+ history. It offers a glimpse into a moment in time that is both deeply personal and historically significant, and showcases the resilience and spirit of a community that has faced immense adversity.
In this powerful tribute to Chicago’s resilient gay Black community of the 80s, Patric McCoy’s photographic portrayals provide a vivid and moving glimpse into a difficult but important time in LGBTQ+ history.
