Couples
: A Photographic Documentary of Gay and Lesbian Relationships by
John
Gettings (Photographer)
During New York City's Stonewall 25 and Gay Pride celebration in
1994, John Gettings shot black-and-white portraits of gay and
lesbian couples, and later recorded their comments about their
lives and their love for each other. The result is a stunning
collection, a compendium of words and images that provide the
clearest window yet into the thoughts, emotions, and devotion of
same-sex couples and their struggles and joys enroute to each
other. These are not celebrity gays, but ordinary citizens from
all walks of life (accountants, teachers, lawyers, bartenders,
chauffers, corporate executives) and many regions and backgrounds.
They represent the full spectrum of contemporary gay culture, and
their revelations about coming out, family reactions to their
partnerships, limitations on their rights, and forging a life
together are infallibly colored with caring and commitment. At a
time when domestic partnerships and same-sex marriages are
increasingly visible on judicial, legislative and political
agendas, Couples addresses a fundamental issue of human
connections with honesty, humor, perceptiveness, and great
passion. Couples is a significant addition to gay and lesbian
studies. -- Midwest Book Review
Taken during New York City's Stonewall 25 and
Gay Pride celebration in 1994, a collection of black-and-white
photographs of gay and lesbian couples from all walks of life
includes their comments about their lives and relationships. UP.
