For Immediate Release
May 31 , 2006

Contact: Don Romesburg, 415.850.8580,

CAPTURING THE MOMENT:
THE PHOTOJOURNALISM OF RICK GERHARTER
Reception Opens New GLBT Historical Society Exhibit

SAN FRANCISCO—On Wednesday, June 14, the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Historical Society will unveil a major exhibit of works by gay photojournalist Rick Gerharter. Since the late 1980s, Gerharter has created a rich visual archive of the political, social, and cultural life of Northern California’s queer communities during an era of powerful transformation. His images emphasize the uniqueness of individuals, events, and spaces through use of vivid color and attention to personality and the power of place. During the opening night reception, Gerharter will describe the particular relationship of photojournalism to GLBT history and society. The exhibit will run through December.

“Rick is one of our community’s premiere photojournalists,” said GLBT Historical Society Executive Director Terence Kissack. “‘Capturing the Moment’ brings together images from nearly two decades, revealing recent queer history through one man’s engaged vision.”

Gerharter is best known for his contributions to the Bay Area Reporter, one of San Francisco’s oldest GLBT weeklies. He has also published in Newsweek, Der Spiegel, and The Economist as well as many books. Gerharter’s photographic eye was first inspired by travels in South America. Unable to face returning to his desk job, he became a photojournalist. He still travels; his photos have appeared in over 30 Lonely Planet travel guides.

In conjunction with “Capturing the Moment,” the GLBT Historical Society will host events over the next six months exploring the role of journalism—and especially photographers—in documenting queer history. The program will be announced in the near future.

WHAT: Opening party for “Capturing the Moment: The Photojournalism of Rick Gerharter”

WHERE: GLBT Historical Society, 657 Mission St, Ste 300 (btwn New Montgomery & Third).

WHEN: Wednesday, June 14, 6-8 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public.

“Capturing the Moment” is made possible by the generous support of the Bob Ross Foundation and by GLBT Historical Society members. Also exhibited at the Historical Society is “Sporting Life: GLBT Athletics and Cultural Change from the 1960s to Today.”  The galleries are open 1-5 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays. Gerharter is on the web at www.rickgerharterphotos.com.

The GLBT Historical Society is turning 21! The mission of the organization is to increase public understanding, appreciation, and affirmation of the history and culture of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other sexual minority individuals and communities. For more information, call (415) 777-5455 or visit www.glbthistory.org
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