Queer Lens: A History of Photography

This is the first major publication to survey the history of LGBTQ+ photography starting in the mid 19th century through the prism of queerness into the noughties, specifically examining concepts of gender, sexuality and self-expression.

- by Paul Martineau

A new book recommended for queer readers and those interested in the development of queer photography, says Derrick Bradfield

And it accompanies an exhibition at the Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles which is now on show until 25 September 2025.

The well-illustrated book of 300 images traces the chronological history of how the LGBTQ+ individuals have influenced art and culture in many ways, and how photography continues to be a powerful tool in the representation of the queer experience.

There is a useful chronology covering the whole period (1732 up to 2021) decade by decade, which allows you to Starting in the mid-19th century up to and including contemporary times, the book explores the emergence of political activism, including the ACT UP international organisation, founded in protest about the AIDS epidemic and the importance of visibility. Photography has played a crucial role in the history of queer representation and the social world of queer people. Starting with queer portraits in the mid-19th century and the social world of queer artists, gender defiance and cross-dressing and clearly shown expressions of their desire, imagination and community.

The book shows 200 plates both black & white and colour, representing the work of 157 photographers - bringing together the work of a wide variety of LHBTQ+ images. It's a comprehensive record of queer photography, with many images unseen before.