Shall Not Be Recognized: Portraits of Same-Sex Couples
Name/Title
Shall Not Be Recognized: Portraits of Same-Sex CouplesEntry/Object ID
2026.5.4Description
With photographs by Jeff Pearcy and text by Will Fellows, "Shall Not Be Recognized" is a photojournalist exhibition showcasing same-sex couples who have been in relationships ranging from seven to 50 years. The collection features 30 black-and-white photographs of local, same-sex families, all of which have been together for a decade or longer, like Anne and Denise who pose with their infant son, and Gregory and Raymond who have been together for 25 years. In the November 2006 general election, Wisconsin voters passed a resolution to amend the state constitution to make it unconstitutional for the state to recognize or perform same-sex marriages and civil unions. In response, Will Fellows collaborated with photographer Jeff Pearcy to create Shall Not Be Recognized, an exhibit of photographic and verbal portraits of thirty same-sex couples in long-term, committed relationships. The name of the exhibit was taken from the amendment itself. Fellows conducted interviews with the couples, all residents of the Milwaukee area, and created the text for the exhibit. Pearcy conducted photo sessions with the couples and created the images for the exhibit. This digital collection brings together the photographs and oral history interviews from the project.Motion Picture Details
Subject Place
City
Milwaukee, WIContext
a collection of 30 photographs depicting gay families. Had been an art exhibit in Milwaukee, WI - available as a video program. In 2007, author Will Fellows collaborated with photographer Jeff Pearcy to create "Shall Not Be Recognized," an exhibit of photographic and verbal portraits of thirty same-sex couples in long-term, committed relationships, all residents of the Milwaukee area.Category
DVD
Film/Video