Project Mission
The Intimacy Project is a collection of images created by and for the LGBTQ community with the primary goal of combating homophobia. The exhibit uses photography and its subjects to showcase the diversity of LGBTQ people, the nature of our relationships, and the manifestations of intimacy experienced within those relationships. Pittsburgh Photographer Dawn Hartman created this ever-changing exhibit to promote visibility and positive representation for the LGBTQ community specifically.
Fear, misunderstanding, and lack of education are largely responsible for the negative perceptions of LGBT individuals that pervade the cultural consciousness. These distortions reinforce inaccurate perceptions of the love within our community. Dawn’s hope is that the images contained in this project will provide a diversified, realistic portrayal of LGBTQ intimacy that allows those lacking exposure to see the humanity of all individuals and the universality of love. She is also inspired by the potential to create positive, hopeful imagery in which LGBTQ individuals might see their own experiences reflected.
Visit the website LGBTintimacyproject.org to peruse image galleries, purchase prints, or get involved.
To date, more than 100 people have been photographed for The Intimacy Project. The exhibit was originally composed mostly of images from Pittsburgh, PA, and the surrounding areas. In order to achieve a more accurate portrayal of the contemporary American LGBTQ community, the project has expanded. Dawn is now working to photograph individuals and couples all over the US and document the diversity of our community on a national level.
Host an Exhibition
The Intimacy Project is willing and eager to travel!
If you are affiliated with a community or student organization, or just a driven individual who feels your community could benefit from seeing these images, then you can host an exhibit. Find a space, arrange the details, and we will bring the show! We have had exhibitions in Community Organization buildings, bars, coffee houses, universities, and even personal residences. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange a showing in your neighborhood.
Previous Exhibitions, Resource Centers, and Pride Events include…
Bad Bitch Bazaar
QMNTY Center
Stage AE
Persad Center
Submit your Writings
The Intimacy Project has reached a great number of people in a few short years. In order to reach a broader audience and further the success of the project, we aspire to release the exhibit in the form of a book. To enhance and expound upon the images in this book, writings from the LGBT community that reflect the true essence of The Intimacy Project will be included. We invite you to submit your writing. View the guidelines and contact form.
Donate
All donations, however small or large, are welcome!
The Intimacy Project has been funded completely by the efforts of Dawn Hartman. She continues to work diligently to fund the project, but the potential for growth is incredible. The goal of The Intimacy Project is to create a better world for LGBTQ people, and help from outside supporters and allies is always welcome.
All donations are used to offset the cost of transportation, promotional materials, and printing costs.
Donations are not tax-deductible. Questions? Visit the Project’s website. You can reach Dawn via email as well.
Venmo: @dawn-Hartman
Zelle: dawnhartman5165@gmail.com
Cashapp: $Dawnhartman5165
Get involved
~ Follow Online ~ Promote ~ Show In Your Community
~ Host An Event ~ Volunteer To Be Photographed ~