Michael Sharkey

Hold These Truths

• Queen B (Jonathan), 2010
  Digital photo giclée print
  30 x 40 inches framed
  Edition 1 of 4
  Courtesy of the artist

The passage of time and the theme of empowerment are key elements in Michael Sharkey‘s long-term photo documentary project QUEER KIDS. Started in 2006, the portrait series spurns harmful generalizations while celebrating diversity and toughness in the face of prejudice. Challenging not only social biases and stereotypes, but also normative perceptions of gay youth, Sharkey, who grew up in the 1980’s, amplifies the queer voices of a younger generation.

QUEER KIDS encapsulates the complexity and spectral qualities of sexual orientation and gender, featuring personal statements of strength and self-awareness.