There comes a time in each of our lives where we have our 15 minutes of fame…and I am having mine. Well, more like 30 days, really…you see, my photograph is a part of the “Standout” series by GLBTQ photographer Jeffrey Horvitz. The exhibit is housed for the month of September at the Portland Q Center, a nonprofit committed to increasing the visibility of and fostering connections within metropolitan Portland’s Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Questioning (LGBTQ) community.

Now, I don’t want to give the impression that I am the only one who was chosen…there were many other strong, out and proud, making a difference, leaders on the walls with me. Jack Cox, infamous advocate; Byron Beck, talented writer; Jeana Frazzini and Kendall Clawson, Executive Directors of BRO and the Q Center, respectively; not to mention Sam Adams, our incoming Portland Mayor.

from top left clockwise: Sam Adams: Mayor Elect; Jean Ann Van Krevelen: Zany and endearing hipfish/QFolk writer, professional gardener and former executive director of Cascade Aids Project; Marty Davis and Shasta: Publisher of Just Out; Todd Canon: Physician

But what was the impetus for this legion of leadership? Horvitz, a San Francisco transplant, says this:

“I chose high profile LGBT people in Portland as subjects, because I wanted to inspire youth that may feel judged or less than because of their sexual identity, that anything is possible. There are many sensationalistic images of LGBT people out there. I would like to show that anyone of us could be your next door neighbor and for all you know, probably are.”

This is Horvitz’s second showing at the Q Center. His previous collection showed local GLBTQ athletes in uniform, and then transformed them into 1920’s glam. It was an amazing study in contrasts, innately sexy and compelling. Sadly, he does not consider gardening to be a sport, so I was not included in this series.

I asked him if he had a favorite picture of the bunch (not that I was pressuring him or anything).

“As far as a favorite image, well... they are all like my children and are all pretty special to me, but I really like the composition of Christopher Stowell sitting on the floor, the image of Pat Lanagan is pretty strong, I also like the whimsy of Jean Ann Van Krevelen’s apple on her head.”

Horvitz and his partner Maje, moved her specifically to give Horvitz the time to pursue his photography. In addition to his work at the Q Center, he has also had spreads in a variety of local and national queer papers and magazines. Horvitz has a deep passion and incredible vision for photography. He excels at portraiture, with pictures that have multiple layers of meaning. Horvitz strives to capture what is inside of his subject. Now, I have been photographed quite a bit, but always in a business setting. When we first talked about my shoot, Jeffrey had a completely different setting in mind. He wanted to highlight my gardening, long a hobby, and recently evolved into a business. I thought it was a great way to mark the transition and quickly agreed.

It began on an overcast day…we were taking the shots in my garden, so I didn’t have far to go. After about a pound of stage make up and my hottest, couture hoodie, I was ready to make history. I was so excited to have a picture of me in my element, and Jeffrey was so disarming, that I felt completely at ease. It was fun…you know, it reminded me of one of those shoots on America’s Next Top Model...Girl, have you seen Tyra this season? She is fierce! But I digress…

Jeffrey chose a variety of locations and poses, resulting in the photo of me with the apple on my head and a somewhat devious look in my eyes. I didn’t get a really close look at his choice until he sent out the press release with my photo.

I have to say, I was shocked. He succeeded in capturing a part of me that I don’t share as often…a teasing part of myself that is usually reserved for my friends…and for a minute, I felt really bare…still do, somewhat. It was good to see me though, not ME, the public person.

There are many pictures in this collection that capture the essence of the individuals… and when you see them, you notice it instantly. You can’t help from having an emotional reaction…which, I suspect is part of the intent. And to have captured that with so many leaders (we can be a high maintenance bunch, you know), is a sign of his amazing talent.

Horvitz is also a committed philanthropist. He is donating 30% of the sales of these photographs to help the Q Center raise money for a challenge grant. They have an anonymous donor who has agreed to make a $200,000 donation if they can raise enough money to match the amount. Right now, they have $120,000.

Kendall Clawson, Executive Director of the Q Center says, “The Q Center is about creating a supportive, welcoming place for LGBTQ individuals and families. It’s used for many different kinds of meetings and events…we’ve had so many requests that we’ve outgrown our space. In order to continue meeting the needs of our community, we need to move to someplace larger, and soon!” If you are interested in making a contribution to the Q Center, you can find them online at http://www.pdxqcenter.org or email them at info@pdxqcenter.org.

This exhibit will be up through the month of September and it is a great opportunity to learn a bit more about GLBTQ leaders in the Portland Metro area. Stop by and read the commentary each person has listed below their photographs…get to know your fellow community members and make a donation to a cause that supports your community.

For more information about Jeffrey Horvitz’s work, email him at jeff_horvitz@msn.com or contact him by phone at 415 215-3576.

If you are interested in making a contribution to the Q Center, you can find them online at http://www.pdxqcenter.org or email them at info@pdxqcenter.org.

You will find Jean Ann Van Krevelen out in the garden, or blogging about it at http://www.gardenertofarmer.net.