ABOUT 
Charlie T. Photography (c) 2011
About Us: Just As We Are Mission StatementThe Just As We Are exhibit is a collection of portraits of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgendered people (LGBT), taken over a period of several years by the brilliant photographer Charzette Torrence (Charlie T). These portraits illustrate a world far different from the exaggerated and often stereo-typed images of LGBT people that are too often popularized in the media. Instead, these photos illuminate and emphasize the social contributions, professional capacities, and essential humanity of these members of our American society. Their joy in their work and their lives and the openness, friendliness, wit, and charm displayed in these remarkable portraits is a positive statementboth for LGBT people themselves and for those who unfortunately have been taught to fear or hate the otherness of homosexuals, bisexuals, or transgendered persons.As the questions of same-sex marriage and full civil rights for LGBT individuals are debated across America, the Just As We Are exhibit speaks quietly, yet insistently, to the debate participants. The subjects of these photos say: Look at us. Dont be afraid. We are your teachers, educators, doctors, brothers and sisters. We are already working and living right next to you. All we ask is that you allow us the dignity to be ourselves Just As We Are.Look at these faces again. This exhibit is a bridge across which understanding, hope, and justice can travel.Our Last Project:The Just As We Are exhibit has recently traveled in New York, Detroit, and Stamford,CT. It was our first exhibit which was a 50-piece collection of portraits of your Next Door Neighbor, Mailman, Doctor, Broker, Teacher, etcetera--who are all gay. Wewanted to create a bridge of understanding with our straight allies for hope andjustice and love for all mankind.Our New Project ;We Are Family is a intimate look at gay familes' lives for the worldto see, up close and personal. It's visually told from the familes' point of view.Our familes are just like everyone else's. We go through the sametrials and challenges that any family does, and we stand by oneanother through it all with love. That is what makes a family. We arelike everybody else in this: Families, just as we are.Charzette Torrence
GAY NEWS NOW - CBC News October 19, 2010 - Gay Bashing Report
- World Aids Day 2011 - Andrew's Story
This year has been a historical year for the lgtb community. It shows our growthWe will be doing a video wrap up of the year on our video blog. So stay tune forthat. I am glad that I am gay. Also we adda link to other lgtb website below. Pleasecheck them out.ThanksCharzette Torrence
Born This Way Foundation/ www.bornthiswayfoundation.org
In The Life Media/ www.itlmedia.org/
True Color Fund / /www.truecolorsfund.org/
ARTCHIVES - Just As We Are Project- School Teacher need helps for Youth Gay student in her class
- UBS-Just As We Are 2010 UBS Exhibit
- JUST AS WE ARE PROJECT-PANEL DISCUSSION-AFFIRMATION
JAWA EXHIBITS
2011 January - National Arts Club New York, NY - Solo Show. JAWA and John Amaechi Fundraiser. 2010 June - August- UBS North America Headquarters Stamford,CT . Solo Show. 2008 April-July- Affirmation Gay and Lesbian Community Center Ferndale,MI. Solo Show. 2007 June - July -Middle Collegiate Church New York, NY. Solo Show. February- May- Gay Men Health Crisis New York,NY. Solo Show.2006 January- May- 96 & Lexington New York Public Library New York, NY.Solo Show.
