The “Able and Proud” photo exhibit is a project close to my heart, and it all began with my daughter, Kaylen. After my father passed away, Kaylen was diagnosed with manic depression and adjustment disorder. Her struggle with mental health was compounded by the fact that she is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Watching her navigate these challenges opened my eyes to a world I had previously not fully understood.

Kaylen’s world was turned upside down after losing her grandfather. Her struggle with mental health opened my eyes to the often unseen and unspoken challenges faced by individuals who are both queer and disabled.  As her mother, watching her navigate this pain was both heartbreaking and eye-opening. It became clear that there was a significant lack of awareness and support for people dealing with such issues, particularly those who are queer and disabled.

As I delved deeper, I noticed a significant gap: the stories and struggles of queer individuals with disabilities were largely overlooked. In Alabama, this gap felt even more pronounced. The intersections of identity—queer, disabled, and often marginalized—were rarely acknowledged in mainstream conversations. This realization sparked a desire in me to bring these stories to light, to show the world that being different is not a limitation but a unique strength.  

Witnessing Kaylen’s courage and the lack of visibility for people like her sparked a desire in me to make a difference. I wanted to create something that would raise awareness and celebrate the strength of queer individuals with disabilities. This is how the idea for the “Able and Proud” photo exhibit was born.

Determined to make a difference, I reached out to Central Alabama Pride, an organization dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Their enthusiasm and support were invaluable in shaping the project. Our goal was to create a platform where the voices of queer individuals with disabilities could be heard, their faces seen, and their stories shared.

The goal of “Able and Proud” is to create imagery that resonates, that speaks to the viewer about the importance of inclusivity and awareness. Each photograph is a powerful narrative, challenging the viewer to see beyond the surface and appreciate the richness of these individuals’ lives. The heart of the exhibit features photographs of 16 individuals who are both queer and disabled. Each portrait tells a unique story of resilience, pride, and individuality. Through my lens, I aimed to capture not just their disabilities but their essence—their joy, their struggles, and their unwavering strength.

One of the participants, Levi, who suffers from a Rare HIV Acute Retroviral Syndrome, shared his love for writing, which has been a source of solace and expression. Another participant, Amanda wanted to highlight her pain due to having an invisible disability . These stories, and many others, form the backbone of the “Able and Proud” exhibit.

The goal of the exhibit is to create imagery that resonates, that speaks to the viewer about the importance of inclusivity and awareness. Each photograph is a powerful narrative, challenging the viewer to see beyond the surface and appreciate the richness of these individuals’ lives. The exhibit isn’t just about photographs; it’s about creating a narrative that challenges stereotypes and fosters understanding. Each image is a powerful testament to the unique experiences of these individuals, urging viewers to look beyond the surface and appreciate the depth of their lives.

Through this exhibit, I hope to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for queer individuals with disabilities in Alabama and beyond. This is a tribute to my daughter and all those who, despite their struggles, continue to live life to the fullest.

Tosha Gaines is a self-taught photographer based in Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a pediatric occupational therapist, who aims to bolster the self-confidence of her disabled clients by capturing their personalities and passions. Follow her on Instagram.

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[Read: Raw Portraits of Acceptance — The “As I Am” Project]