Get Out LB founder and community member Sal Flores described his I Am photography project succinctly: “The purpose of is exactly what it sounds like: A celebration of who we are for who we are.”
In the eyes of Flores, campaigns similar in appearance—like the overwhelmingly popular NOH8 campaign that even Congressmember Alan Lowenthal has partaken in—are indeed beneficial and show a broader spectrum of LGBT allies and members. But his focus is far more micro in nature: he wants the Long Beach community, something that he considers a bit disentangled, to become a bit more cohesive.
“Our mission has always been to help and participate in the community by getting the community involved as much as we can,” Flores said. “We are a resource to the community by the community, we have grown immensely since we started and we have many things coming up in the next several weeks, and this event is just one of many to show and celebrate the people that make this community.”
The photo shoot, to be photographed by well-respected local animal photographer Susan Sabo, is simple: Come as you are to celebrate who you are, no apologies needed, no explanations provided. In the words of Flores, it is to “tell the world, ‘Look at us, we come in all shapes and sizes, all colors of the rainbow and we are proud of our community.'”
The photo shoot will occur on Saturday, September 21 at The Center from 12PM to 5PM. A reception showcasing highlights from the session will be held on National Coming Out Day, October 11, at the Art Exchange from 7PM to 10PM. Tickets are suggested to guarantee a photo shoot; $10/individual or $20 couple/group. Proceeds will benefit both the Art Exchange Galleries and The Center.
For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1406189746268652/ or http://www.getoutlb.com
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