Call me queer
“I photographed these images in 2012 as part of my photojournalism thesis for my master’s program. It was still criminal to be gay in India. I was coming to terms with my own sexuality. The thought of being put behind bars just for expressing who you are haunted me.
Originally shot for a photo book proposal, the photographs in this series are both a celebration of queerness and queer life in general but also an attempt to break down walls within my community. I was able to get into the bedrooms of Delhi’s affluent gays and lesbians while at the same time photographing queer sex workers on the streets. I wanted to show intimacy, desire and friendship in a community that often felt trapped, unwanted and dirty.
While I controlled the lighting and composition, most of the subjects I worked with decided to pose themselves. They wanted to tell their own stories. My camera and I were just the medium.
More than 12 years later, I am continuing to work on queer identity, relationship, sex and technology. I would love to hear from you as I create more work!”
- Karan Deep Singh
‘Call Me Queer’ is an on-going project by Karan Deep Singh. If you would like to be featured or have any thoughts or questions, please feel free to contact him at karan@karandeepsingh.me