Femxphotographers.org is an international collective of femme and non-binary photographers whose work aims to disrupt the male gaze in the medium. The male gaze itself is a term that was first coined by film theorist Laura Mulvey in 1973 to categorize visual media that projected patriarchal norms and values onto femmes and anyone who are not cis-men. The collective initially began in Berlin, Germany with 15 core members, they then decided to open up the collective to anyone that will answer to their invitation to collaborate. The goal is to continuously create active discussions with as many people as possible, in order to show that a history of photography that includes everyone can be written starting today. This is why efforts by Femxphotographers.org are relevant to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Gender Equality.
To carry out their mission, the collective frequently hosts exhibitions, talks and prints publications together. So far, they have published two books: The Body Issue and Mind Over Matter with different editors. This was done to ensure that a wide variety of voices are present, so that they can create an intersectional disruption of the male gaze that includes people from all walks of life, including the disabled and people of colour (POC).
The organization is currently crowdfunding for their third publication that has been aptly titled LOVE as a response to today’s tumultuous times. To outline their concept, they cite a quote by renowned feminist author Bell Hooks which reads “When we love, we can let our hearts speak,” that outlines how for them, allowing different types of love into their life can help them to continue working and function at a time where multiple wars are being waged across the planet and the threat of climate change looms over humanity. As per 20 January 2025, the collective is still around USD 1,000 short of their crowdfunding goal and continues to do multiple different efforts to raise them including joining book markets.
Femxphotographers.org stands as a powerful collective redefining the narrative of photography by challenging the pervasive male gaze and championing a more inclusive visual history. Through exhibitions, publications and collaborative efforts, the collective amplifies voices that have long been marginalized, ensuring their intersectional approach encompasses diverse identities, including femmes, non-binary individuals, POCs and the disabled. With their upcoming publication LOVE, Femxphotographers.org demonstrates how art can act as a form of resistance and healing, promoting compassion and connection in today’s chaotic world. By reclaiming the lens, they pave the way for a future where photography is a medium for equality, authenticity and empowerment.
Find out more about Femxphotographers.org and their initiatives on their website www.femxphotographers.org, Kickstarter or Instagram @femxphotographersorg.