“It takes an Illage” is a photographic essay following the lives of 18 queer twenty-somethings and the adult summer camp they’ve created. “You can’t hide from the magic of camp.”
“It takes an Illage†is a photographic essay following the lives of 18 queer twenty-somethings and the adult summer camp they’ve created. Even in Portland, being queer can be an isolating experience. Constantly being defined by difference can threaten one’s sense of belonging. So I was intrigued by this group who, through their own creativity have manifested a community of acceptance and appreciation for each and every singly oddity. Gender, rules, clothes, who needs ‘em?
Illage camp happens every August and it is a week-long extravaganza of glitter parades, capture the flag and even marrying the city of Portland. For the project, not only do I want to tell the story of camp, but I’m looking forward to delving deeper into the diverse lives of its counselors. These images were made during a pre-camp retreat where focused conversations of camp logistics were had naked on floaties. It was the perfect visual for the delightful way that illagers shatter expectations and invite those around them to do the same. I was continually inspired by their openness to each other and to myself as a photographer. They enveloped me with their warmth immediately and without hesitation. Their leader Alex Simon put it best, “you can’t hide from the magic of camp.â€