Photography Book 'See Me' Changes Views of LGBT Homeless Youth

On April 14 at the Shinnyo Center on W. 36th Street in New York City, renowned photographer Alex Fradkin welcomes the community to the launch party for "See Me: Transforming the Lives on NYC's Homeless Youth." This fine art photography book breaks new ground with a powerful series of portraits capturing the realities of the city's LGBT homeless youth.

"I wasn't sure what to expect when I began to take portraits of homeless youth," said Fradkin. "But in photographing these young people, I have learned that they have something powerful to say about being human. Just look into their eyes in these portraits. You will feel their message."

In collaboration with the Reciprocity Foundation, an NYC-based nonprofit that helps homeless youth, Fradkin met hundreds of homeless youth over a two-year period. Fradkin is a masterful photographer who places his subjects in a new light. "See Me" defies stereotypes by uncovering the dreams, living spaces and private moments of primarily LGBT homeless youth living in New York City.

"See Me" is at its heart a collaborative process between the youth and the artist. Fradkin built strong relationships with transgender, gay, lesbian youth and youth of color who are experiencing homelessness. The resulting portraits collapse the distance between the subject and the viewer.

"Homeless LGBTQ youth have borne the brunt of homophobia in our country," said Taz Tagore, co-founder of the Reciprocity Foundation and author of the book's essays. "They have been kicked out of their homes, denied employment and housing, and been physically assaulted. And yet, the way they show up -- for these portraits and for life -- is incredibly inspiring."

Rather than the stereotypical images of downtrodden street-involved youth, "See Me" confronts viewers with the raw, powerful honesty of their gaze. In Fradkin's body of work, homeless youth do not ask for sympathy, but simply demand that you take a moment to see them.

Fradkin began his photography career in 1996, originally having studied and practiced as an architect. In 2000, he graduated with an MFA in photography from Columbia College, Chicago. He has since pursued fine art and documentary photography becoming an award winning, internationally published and exhibited photographic artist.

Fradkin's photographs reside in numerous private, public and corporate collections, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Photography (Chicago), Museum of the City of New York, Portland Art Museum, among others.

Photos from the book will be on display at the Book Launch and are also available for sale. One hundred percent of author proceeds will be donated to the Reciprocity Foundation.

To purchase the book, visit http://www.amazon.com/dp/1495194213
or www.reciprocityfoundation.org/seeme.

"See Me" will launch with a party from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14 at the The Shinnyo Center, 19 W 36th St, New York, NY 10018.

For information, call 212-868-9838 or visit www.seemethebook.com