Marginalized communities often find themselves underrepresented or misrepresented, hence, Myles Loftin's warm toned photography aims to empower and affirm the experiences of marginalized youth—particularly queer Black youth—by representing them the way they want to be portrayed. Through his lens, Loftin captures moments of joy, freedom and authenticity, challenging prevailing narratives of darkness and gloom often associated with queer people of color. His work not only celebrates the beauty and resilience of these communities but is also a powerful tool for promoting social inclusion. This is why his photographs are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Reduced Inequalities.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York City, Myles Loftin is a freelance photographer and director whose work goes beyond the traditional boundaries of beauty and representation. He draws his inspiration from his own experiences as a Black queer man, using photography as a means of reclaiming space and visibility for communities that have been historically marginalized and excluded from mainstream narratives.
One example is Loftin's photography series, In the Life, which showcases his commitment to queering Black stories. The photographs were made to show that queer Black people are here, always have been here and always will be here. In the series, Loftin captures the everyday experiences of Black queer people, from intimate moments to public hang-outs. He focuses on elevating the mundanity and humanity of their lived experiences, creating images with care and intentionality. They serve as a source of solace and inspiration for those who see themselves represented in his work.
These photographs celebrate authenticity and self-expression, conveyed with warm, vibrant tones and dynamic compositions. Their objectives are to create images that challenge stereotypes and push back against conventional norms of representation by championing authenticity. In Loftin's world, queer people of colour are free to be themselves, unapologetically embracing their identities and taking control of their narratives.
Another one of Loftin's series is the ongoing COLORED, which pays homage to the beauty and versatility of Black hair, particularly within the context of the queer community. By photographing individuals with colourful hairstyles, Loftin seeks to challenge societal norms of what is considered beautiful for Black people and celebrate the diverse ways Black people express themselves. In doing so, he affirms the beauty of Black hair and reclaims agency over representations of Black identity.
Through his collaborations with brands such as GCDS and his work featured in publications like Paper Magazine, i-D, and Gayletter, Loftin amplifies the visibility of queer Black voices on a global scale. His pieces, like the True Beauties series featured in Paper Magazine, help showcase the talent and creativity of individuals from marginalized communities, further dismantling barriers to entry and opening doors for greater inclusion and representation within the creative industry.
Loftin also remains deeply committed to community building and activism. He uses his social media to advocate for social justice and raise awareness about issues affecting queer people of colour, both online and offline. By centring the experiences and voices of those at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities, Loftin contributes to a more inclusive and equitable society.
Still, inequalities persist and marginalized voices are often silenced, which is why Myles Loftin's photography is a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art. Through his affirming photographs, Loftin empowers queer Black youth to take up space, embrace their identities and rewrite the negative narratives that seek to define them.
Find out more about authentic Black queer photographs and other initiatives by Myles Loftin on his website www.mylesloftinphotography.com or Instagram @mylesloftin.