‘Framing Our Presence’ is a curated exhibition highlighting the works of queer artists working in photographic image nationwide. Curated and produced by Esther Godoy, this exhibition confronts the divide between queer art and ‘content’, encouraging audiences to engage more critically with the visual narratives presented.

By positioning photography as both art and archive, this exhibition underscores the crucial role of visual and documentary arts in preserving and articulating queer histories. At the same time, it challenges modern days fast-paced consumption of queer creativity, asserting these photographers as artists and cultural documentarians rather than ‘content creators’.

The core collection features the works of A. Klass (Transnormativity), Amina Cruz, EPLI, Esther Godoy, and Liam Woods (AnalogPapi) —a group of nationally recognized queer artists—this exhibition offers a collective portrait of contemporary queer experience that spans the United States.

At the heart of the show is a rejection of the commercialization of queer culture. The works on display resist the censored lens of algorithm-driven platforms, centering authentic narratives told by those who live them.

This event is a call to engage with queer culture beyond the container of our screens—to experience it fully, embodied and intentional. It is a space where queer creators own their stories and where audiences are invited to bear witness to the complexity, power, and reverence embedded in queer lives and artistry.

As the exhibition travels local artists from each host city, will be invited to submit work adding a dynamic, site-responsive layer that grounds the core collection in the lived realities of the local queer community. The debut showing in Portland Or, will feature additional work from Jo Cosme, Mason Rose, and Wondra, with Ruby J White hosting the artists’ panel discussion.

The event will be followed by a reception in the Antoinette Hatfield Hall Rotunda Lobby, featuring DJ Aspen.

Curator and Artist Bio:

ESTHER GODOY (they/she)
As a creative producer, photographer and storyteller, Esther draws inspiration from exploring the ways in which individuals' past experiences shape their present narratives. Through the lens of depth psychology and spirituality, they navigate these stories with a keen curiosity and sensitivity, drawing parallels from the individual's story, to wider cultural patterns at large. Their work is deeply driven by the exploration of where queer history and contemporary queer culture collide.

With over a decade of experience in the creative industry, Esther leverages their background as a web developer and social media strategist to foster visibility and uplift underserved communities, with a dedicated focus on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. 

Artist Instagram: @esthergoodboy
BINADW Instagram: @butchisnotadirtyword