Queer Kids (PHOTOS)

It's hard to believe that when I began this project in 2006, the subject of gay youth was just beginning to gain national attention (most notably with an Oct. 2005 cover story in Time titled, "The Battle Over Gay Teens").

Since then, the issue has become a kind of fait accompli: Americans may continue to argue about teenage sexual expression, school-sanctioned GSAs and gay marriage, but clearly all are here to stay.

The idea for this project arose from my own desire as a gay teenager to be given a voice. I desperately wanted to be made valid in the eyes of my peers. Sadly, coming out (and of age) in the '80s, as I did, proved to be quite difficult. I'll never forget being punched by a high-school classmate, as I'm sure all the other kids who suffered some physical abuse because of their sexuality will not forget. It was precisely this willful, painful defiance that I want to capture in the portraits. But what you may also see is the delight that is the domain of a new generation: the sheer joy of being able to stand up and be seen without shame.

Please join the discussion and keep up-to-date about the Queer Kids project on Facebook.

For more from M. Sharkey, visit his official website.

To see more great photography visit HuffPost Exposure.

 

Comments

[cs1225]

10:01 AM on 11/19/2011

This is wonderful and I love it! I'm a queer 20-something and am so glad to see that teens are even braver than my peers and I were at my high school, but I just want to say that out of 28 slides, there were only 3 that included kids who looked or sounded from their interviews like they might be female-identified. I won't presume to say I know any of these kids' gender identities, but it does not seem to be remotely close to equal! In an area where we are all fighting for equal rights, let's remember that we ourselves are all equal.

[Atwill]

08:32 AM on 11/18/2011

Very good story and photos

[Chauncey Zalkin]

08:37 PM on 11/17/2011

visionary urgent stunning work

[jibking542]

06:58 PM on 11/17/2011

This is amazing! Read EVERY person's story!

[jibking542]

06:57 PM on 11/17/2011

Beautiful piece! I read every story! I think every LBGTGQ center should save this for our youth!

[JLeamer]

04:10 PM on 11/17/2011

I'm almost 60 now...I never thought I'd be this "Old" but I am grateful for every day...I recently saw the Palm SPrings gay pride parade...not a naked butt in sight...not a condom being ttossed from a single float...LOTS of community businesses, city council members, and when the Palm SPrings HIGH SCHOOL marching band passed by to thunderous applause, I could help but cry...from sheer joy. I lived to see teenagers marching proudly for themselves, their friends and peers...I was indeed PROUD of these kids, and for all of us "old" people who have been activists for SO many years and FOUGHT SO HARD for our own rights and so that these kids COULD march proudly and be who they are...I hope they understand the part WE played in their present as much as we appreciate "the future" that is here and is to come.

[eehd]

05:00 AM on 11/19/2011

I'm only 31 and I feel the same way. I remember coming out to my mom at 18 in 1998. She looked at me with such disgust and said to me, "and you're proud of it." I looked at her in the eyes and said, "I'm not proud of it, but I'm not ashamed of it either." My parents turned their back on me and I swore that I would not hide my sexuality from anyone else and now I'm glad these kids can be themselves. A lot of work has been done to get here, but more needs to be done. Many lives have been lost because of bullying and that is simply unacceptable.

[Jackie Leihenseder]

02:23 PM on 11/17/2011

Thank you to Mr. Sharkey for an amazing well done project. I have found that when someone works from their heart and passion the result is often life changing for all involved, the artist, the subjects and finally the viewer. What is so striking about all of these young people is their diversity, is their refusal to be labeled, whatever the world wants to say "Gay" is. They come from all over this country and that they allowed you, Mr. Sharkey to share a part of their lives is a testament to their sense of self and to you giving them that basic human respect so they would be so open with you. It is in their differences that you find so much of their Beauty! We all evolve I hope Mr. Sharkey you consider updating your work in 5, 10, years so we can all see where these young people have grown. Thank you for the wonderful insight.
Peace
Jackie Leihenseder
[e-mail]

[MeganNicole White]

02:08 PM on 11/17/2011

I love these people's stories :)

[prospecths]

02:03 PM on 11/17/2011

thanks to all of you. when I was growing up and in my teens, late 50s, early 60s and in the south, no one knew what "gay" was, no one to turn to, talk to, etc. At college I finally began to discover myself and others. I've been lucky in my life and career that my parents (we never discussed but they knew) and my late partner of 25 yrs (I became their 3rd son) were open, supportive. We're in a big transition period and a friend of mine often said, "we have to come out so we can go back in" and lead our lives.
thanks again to you all.....

[Marcel Serraillier]

01:51 PM on 11/17/2011

I know a guy who was always with a rowdy bunch of guys, never with girl (except a good friend) and lived with his mom until he was 31. His name is Jesus.

[3Nox]

06:30 PM on 11/17/2011

Nothing to do with this at all...

[Tammy Schmit]

07:14 PM on 11/17/2011

And Jesus was a progressive liberal for his time...if he truly existed.

[Marcel Serraillier]

01:47 PM on 11/17/2011

Everybody is equal but it has to be shown.

[Joseph Van Der Putten]

01:46 PM on 11/17/2011

Thank Heaven for loving MOMS .

[eehd]

05:03 AM on 11/19/2011

And dads, sisters, brothers, cousins, friends and anyone who accepts and loves us.

[Kristine Prykan Walker]

01:42 PM on 11/17/2011

I think it is great for all of these young adults to show such courage. I know the world is full of hate and ignorance, unfortunately somethings are just never goiing to change. I hope they know that they have really helped a lot of other young people who may be struggling with their sexuality. Way to go everyone, I hope nothing but the best for your lives as you move forward.

[Ekata]

01:41 PM on 11/17/2011

magnificent!

[Carabella1]

01:10 PM on 11/17/2011

Beautiful photos, touching stories.