DOMESTICITIES

Domestic images document more than private spheres; they also shape domesticity as an ideology that forms gender roles and polices sexuality in a way that intersects with the public sphere. LGBTQ2+ people make and remake family by creating domestic images that redefine normative meanings of “daddies,” mothers, siblings, and kids. LGBTQ+ people have reimagined these domestic descriptors in queer family photographs taken not only inside homes but also in public spaces: at the beach, in a stairwell, on the street, and elsewhere. Domesticities highlight the generational bonds between parents and children, between romantic partners, and between strangers who, despite their brief connection, come together in defiance of norms and laws that criminalize queer desire and gender expression.

TRC Resolution Health Support Workers at the 22nd International Two-Spirited Gathering

Photographed by Trevor Stratton
2010
Beausejour, Manitoba
Gift of Albert McLeod
Courtesy of the University of Winnipeg Archives, Albert McLeod fonds (17.026)

(L-R) Janet Longclaws, Lynda Neckoway, and Princess Alecia Kitten (Princess XXIII Anishnabaequa) of the Greater Vancouver Native Society.

Dennis Findlay and Terry Farley in Dennis’ kitchen at 78 McGill Street

Unknown photographer
Circa 1979
Toronto, Ontario
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

Douglas Stewart, as a teenager, relaxing at home with his record collection

Unknown photographer
Circa 1978
Toronto, Ontario
Gift of Douglas Stewart
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

Uncle Ed (“Eddy”) Head with his unofficially adopted son, Neil

Photographed by Albert McLeod
1989
Probably Winnipeg, Manitoba
Inkjet print of a digital image
Courtesy of University of Winnipeg Archives, Albert McLeod fonds (17.026)

Julie Crooks and Douglas Stewart looking at Douglas’ family photographs during a Family Camera interview

Filmed by Celio Barreto
September 8, 2016
Toronto, Ontario
Gift of Douglas Stewart
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

Hon Lu with his arm around his prom date, Massimo

Unknown photographer
May 21, 1992
Toronto, Ontario
Gift of Hon Lu
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

Baby portrait of Carlos Idibouo

Unknown photographer
1974
Toumodi, Ivory Coast
Gift of Zwakhala Toh
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

Teo kissing her son, Matthew

Unknown photographer
Circa 2008
Toronto, Ontario
Gift of Teo Owang
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

Sajdeep playing house on Christmas morning with their uncle, Amardeap

Unknown photographer
December 25, 1999
Cambridge, Ontario
Gift of Sajdeep Soomal
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

Courtnay (in the blue shirt) with family at the airport on the occasion of his mother’s visit from Toronto

Courtnay with family at the airport on the occasion of his mother’s visit from Toronto

Unknown photographer
Circa 1973
Jamaica
Gift of Courtnay McFarlane
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

(L-R) Courtnay's cousin, Magnus Huggins Junior; his grandfather, Samuel Huggins; his brother, Adrian McFarlane; his mother, Julalee Huggins; and Courtnay, in the blue shirt.

The Body Politic collective household at 48 Simpson Avenue in the Riverdale neighbourhood

Unknown photographer
Circa 1976
Toronto, Ontario
Gift of Ed Jackson
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

(Front row, L-R) Gerald Hannon, Robert Trow, and Ed Jackson. (Back row, L-R) herb Spiers and Merv Walker.

Karl Fraser and Fred O'Neill

Photographed by Junior Harrison
1990s
Toronto, Ontario
Gift of Junior Harrison
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

Mudit and Ishaan reclining on the roof of Ishaan's apartment building

Photographed by Mudit Ganguly
2016
Toronto, Ontario
Gift of Mudit Ganguly
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

Courtnay McFarlane (in the blue shirt) with neighbours, Karen, Charmaine, and Cecil Williams (top to bottom)

Courtnay McFarlane with neighbours, Karen, Charmaine, and Cecil Williams

Unknown photographer
Circa 1971
Jamaica
Gift of Courtnay McFarlane
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives

(T-B) Karen, Charmaine, and Cecil Williams. Courtnay is in the blue shirt.

Cecilio and his son/cat, Percy

Photographed by Cecilio Escobar
Circa 2016
Toronto, Ontario
Gift of Cecilio Escobar
Courtesy of the Family Camera Network and The ArQuives