Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum’s summer exhibition suite explores how portrait photographs by artists from New York City, Boston, and Dallas reflect and refract multifaceted LGBTQIA+ experiences. Across three galleries, including the Anne H. Fitzpatrick Façade outside the Museum, we illuminate how portrait photography is a powerful tool for LGBTQIA+ self-discovery, community-making, and affirming of found family. Each artist presents us with their unique processes, which prioritize making space for their subjects and shaping stories—sometimes their own—on camera.

ON CHRISTOPHER STREET: TRANSGENDER PORTRAITS BY MARK SELIGER

From Greenwich Village in the heart of New York, renowned portrait photographer Mark Seliger (he/him) developed trust with trans sitters to capture the spirit of Christopher Street between 2013 and 2016. During these three years, Seliger set his lens “on Christopher Street” to celebrate transgender individuals, share their stories with the world, and capture the spirit of the New York City neighborhood significant to their life jouneys. On Christopher Street: Transgender Portraits by Mark Seliger will be on view in Hostetter Gallery from June 13 to September 8.