#queerlove

A week in black and white

Lately, I’ve had a strong urge to fill this space with something simple, quiet, and unexpectedly sensual.

For the rest of the week, I’ll be sharing a series of minimalist black-and-white portraits of men and male couples — images shaped by light, gesture, distance, closeness, and composition. I’m drawn to the way monochrome photography removes distraction and makes every expression, shadow, and touch feel more deliberate.

A place to rest in each other

In You Give Me Shelter, Kaethe Butcher surrounds two women with dense floral patterns, flowing lines and deep, saturated colour. Their closeness feels quiet and instinctive, as though the rest of the world has briefly fallen away. The image carries a gentle sapphic intimacy, but its emotional centre is broader than romance alone: comfort, trust and the relief of being held without explanation. Even the patterned fabrics seem to fold around them like a shared protective space.

This look from the Alled-Martinez Spring/Summer 2023 collection takes familiar athletic references and pushes them into a more sensual, fashion-forward direction. The fitted green top, abbreviated white shorts, oversized glasses and long chain create a silhouette that feels part 1970s sports club, part queer summer fantasy. What makes it compelling is the tension between discipline and display: the outfit is clean and minimal, yet completely aware of the body. It is confident menswear with a playful, distinctly queer edge.

The cool green lighting, black tailoring and drifting smoke give this portrait the atmosphere of a decadent cabaret or a half-remembered film noir. Franz Szony plays with theatrical masculinity through top hats, veiling, sharp silhouettes and carefully controlled poses, while the single orange flower softens the otherwise severe palette. Featuring Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying, the image feels deliberately ambiguous—equal parts glamour, performance and visual mischief. It is the kind of queer portraiture that treats styling not as decoration, but as part of the story.