Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin 1993

Editor: We're looking at "Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin," a 1993 black and white photograph by Nancy Andrews. There's such a feeling of warmth and intimacy in this image. What jumps out at you, and how do you interpret this work? Curator: What I immediately notice is the power of visibility. This image, taken in 1993, depicts two women, Phyllis Lyon and Del Martin, in their domestic space, interacting with a cat at the table between them. We must understand this image in the context of LGBTQ+ rights and representation, where their choice to be visible challenged dominant heteronormative narratives. Editor: So the seemingly simple act of documenting their lives together was in itself a form of protest? Curator: Exactly. Andrews, as the photographer, played a key role. She used photography as a tool for activism, immortalizing Lyon and Martin’s normalcy, showcasing the love, partnership, and everyday life of a lesbian couple. How does that change how you see the composition? The black and white tones, the domestic setting—what do they convey now? Editor: It almost feels like it's neutralizing or universalizing the image, highlighting the commonality of their relationship, taking the spotlight off of them being a queer couple, to underscore their love as people. Did Andrews do other portraits? Curator: Yes, she did. She dedicated a large portion of her career capturing individuals and communities that often existed on the margins. She focused her lens on LGBTQ+ individuals, women, and other activists to bring their experience to the forefront. Editor: This gives me a totally new perspective on the work, realizing that it’s not *just* a snapshot, it's a historical document and a form of resistance. Curator: Absolutely. It speaks to the power of art in shaping social change and documenting histories that are often erased.