Queer Nature Photography Awards

"This is me, this is us."

Gorosh Katmuda

"This is me, This is us."

We, members of the queer community, are all snakes: animals that sometimes scare, that also fascinate and that have learned to flee from danger because human beings think we are one. We have learned to hide ourselves to live among ourselves, unfortunately in the shadows.

But I firmly believe that we are capable of shedding and coming out of our hiding places, that the world is worth living in and that we have fled into the shadows for too long when we deserve the light. I know that it is also up to us to educate, to teach others that we matter, that we are beautiful. It is a long road for a small being, but together, we go further. This is me, this is us.

This photo was taken with a Fujica ST705, a Sesnon 35mm lens and a FOMA ISO 400, I only shoot on film.

About the Photographer

Name: Gorosh Katmuda

Age: 33

Nationality: French

How does your identity influence your work?

My identity directly influences my photographic work because it is the emanation of who I am, what I think and what I see. My work is me.

What message do you hope to convey with your work about the intersection of queerness and biodiversity in nature?

I would like to convince people that we exist, that we matter and that despite what is often said: we are not a danger.

What do you think is the importance of highlighting diversity in both nature and society, and how can photography play a role in this?

Highlighting diversity in both nature and society is the key to a world at peace without compromise. Photography must be a magnifying glass on the world and point out what no longer works, and what will work.

What is your favorite example of queerness in nature?

I remember that when I was little at school, a teacher explained to us that some penguins were in gay couples; at the time, it didn't shock anyone on the contrary, everyone laughed with joy. You are not born queerphobic, you become it: then you can unteach the world to be queerphobic.

A note from the Narwhal Rainbow Alliance

Studies suggest that around 4% to 10% of the human population in various countries identifies as LGBTQ+. However, estimates of those who are not openly LGBTQ+ can range significantly. For instance, surveys have indicated that about 25-40% of LGBTQ+ individuals may not be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity, depending on factors such as cultural context and societal acceptance. Snake queer behaviours in general vary from same-sex courtship, hermaphroditism to asexual reproduction and cooperative nesting. Snake populations are facing significant challenges, with many species declining due to habitat loss, climate change, human persecution, and invasive species.