Help Me GEt To THe
BLack Queer Creative Summit

My name is LaRue Calliet, Jr., and I am an Atlanta-based portrait photographer. My art is more than just images; it's a vital platform for affirming the inherent beauty and complex experiences of my subjects. My lens seeks to illuminate themes of joy, pride, sexuality, hope, love, and the profound mystery of the human spirit. Crucially, my work serves as a powerful testament to the journey of a Black gay man navigating a world that too often seeks to define and label him. Through each photograph, I strive to evoke deep emotion in both the subject and the viewer, fostering understanding and challenging perceptions.

This fall, I have been honored with an invitation to attend the Black Queer Creative Summit in Los Angeles, California, hosted by GLAAD from September 18th - 21st. This is not just a conference; it's a pivotal gathering designed to celebrate, elevate, and empower Black queer professionals across entertainment, media, and cultural advocacy. For me, it represents an unparalleled opportunity to:

  • Refine my artistic voice through professional development sessions.

  • Forge connections with mentors and peers who are shaping the future of Black queer storytelling.

  • Gain invaluable insights to further my mission of affirming Black queer lives through my photography.

Why Your Support Matters Now:

The Summit itself is offered at no cost to participants, a testament to its mission. However, the crucial elements of airfare and lodging are my responsibility. Your contribution directly ensures my presence at this transformative event. This isn't just about my growth; it's about amplifying a perspective that needs to be heard, seen, and celebrated. Your donation empowers me to bring my unique voice and artistic mission to a national stage, enriching the conversation and inspiring others.

Here’s how you can make an immediate impact and become part of this journey:

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me closer to Los Angeles and the opportunity to expand my work's reach and impact.

Choose Your Level of Support:

  • $10: Your support helps cover a vital portion of ground transportation in LA. As a thank you, you'll receive a heartfelt digital thank you note.

  • $25: You'll receive a personalized digital thank you card and a digital desktop wallpaper featuring one of my favorite recent works.

  • $50: You'll receive a limited-edition digital print from my "Shrouded Souls" series, plus all previous incentives.

  • $100: You'll receive a personally signed 5x7 physical print of your choice from a selection of my work, plus all previous incentives.

  • $250+: You'll receive an exclusive, signed 8x10 physical print from a new, unreleased series, a personal video message of gratitude, plus all previous incentives.

3% Cover the Fee

Why give?

  • Your donation directly supports a Black queer artist's professional and personal growth in a space designed for their success.

  • By helping me attend, you are amplifying the voice and perspective of a Black gay man in a national creative community.

  • You're investing in a creative practice that uses photography to affirm Black queer experiences and challenge stereotypes.

  • Your contribution enables me to build a network of peers and mentors that will inform and inspire my work for years to come.

  • Donating allows me to bring new skills and creative insights back to my community, enriching the artistic landscape of Atlanta.

  • You'll be a champion for diversity and representation in the arts, helping to ensure that vital stories are told and celebrated.

Make a donation.

Every contribution, no matter the size, brings me closer to Los Angeles and the opportunity to expand my work's reach and impact.

3% Cover the Fee

 FAQs

  • The Summit is hosted by GLAAD and will take place in Los Angeles, California, this September 18th - 21st. Your support will cover my travel and lodging during the scheduled event.

  • My fundraising goal about $1,700 (estimated due to changing prices in airfare) is to cover the costs of my round-trip airfare from Atlanta, GA to Los Angeles, CA and lodging for the duration of the Summit. Your donation will directly support these essential travel-related expenses, as the Summit itself is offered at no cost to participants.

  • Any funds raised beyond my travel and lodging expenses will be used to support the costs associated with producing my next series of work, continuing my mission to affirm Black queer identities through photography.

  • All digital incentives, such as thank you notes and wallpapers, will be sent out within one to two weeks after the campaign ends. Physical prints and other tangible rewards will be shipped out within two weeks of my return from the Summit, as I will personally sign and package each one.

  • I will be sharing updates on my instagram, @LaRueC.jpg, before, during, and after the event. I will also provide a full recap to all donors via email once I return.