REBELS, CRIMINALS, PIONEERS:

Like a moodboard of masc ancestors, Rebels, Criminals, Pioneers: Masc Heroes of the QPA Queer Photo Archive (1906-1976) offers up dozens of images across various categories. From the “passing” men of a century ago, to the brave butches across the decades, to two amazing trans man heroes of the 1950s and 1970s — this stunning collection of nearly fifty large-format vintage news photos provides visceral confirmation of that classic queer saying: We have always been here.

Most significantly, the exhibit spotlights a gallery of folks who were arrested for living as men (Jack Starr, Joe Foley, Charles Williams, James Phipps, and others). The show explores various masc examples from theater and film, and the mainstream’s perennial fascination of women dressing up in “men’s” clothing. Plus, an eclectic variety of irresistibly handsome gender variant AFAB folks from across the 20th century. It also celebrates a pair of true pioneers: Sir Ewan Forbes, the Scottish baron who braved public visibility as a trans man in the early 1950s, and the late Steve Dain, the courageous Bay Area high school teacher who fought for trans rights 50 years ago in Emeryville.

About the Curators:
Leo Vargha (he/him) is a trans student filmmaker and archivist at Warren Wilson College. You can find some of his darkroom recipes published in the upcoming edition of The Analog Cookbook. Jenni Olson (she/her/TBD) is a queer film historian, archivist, writer, and filmmaker. She is the proud proprietor of Butch.org — where you can find links to watch her films and learn more about her work as a longtime champion of LGBTQ cinema. 

With thanks to: Gerald Herman, Ellis Martin, Sylvie Roy Olson-Dorf, Loren Burr, Candela Fine Art Printing, and American Frame for their generous assistance in making this exhibit possible, as well as to Devlin Shand, Rosie Mazza, and everyone at Queer Arts Featured.

Curated by Leo Vargha & Jenni Olson

ON VIEW AUG. 7th - SEPT. 27, 2026