'The Gay Essay:' a Portrait of LGBTQ Communities in '70s California

In the summer of 1969, as the Stonewall riots sparked an era of rebellion and activism for queer communities across America, a 19-year-old Anthony Friedkin took his camera and began documenting what he saw around him on the West Coast. His series of 50 black-and-white pictures, shot between 1969 and 1973, became known as The Gay Essay, and it now offers a fascinating look into the private and public lives of marginal LGBTQ people in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

For the first time, Friedkin's work is on view at New York's Daniel Cooney Fine Art. "We hope that this exhibition will serve as a reminder of the distance already traveled and as a source of strength to those facing similar challenges today," Gallerist Daniel Cooney writes in his curator's notes. Indeed, the feeling of resistance, liberation and empowerment that permeates The Gay Essay feels more relevant than ever. Time to brush up on your gay history. Click through to preview a selection of images from the exhibition.

The Gay Essay is on view through March 4th at Daniel Cooney Fine Art, 508-512 West 26th Street, #9C, New York, NY. For further information, go to DanielCooneyFineArt.com

Bobbie and Linda, Venice, 1970

Vintage gelatin silver print

14 x 11"