Words by Liam Stretch

Ask any queer person if they feel represented accurately in most media, and the answer will most likely be a hearty "no". Sure, we've certainly come a long way in representation in film in television, presenting more realistic portrayals of queer realities – though, more often than not, queer people are presented as comic devices and nowhere near as diverse as the community actually is.

That's what Ōtautahi-based photographer and visual artist Federico Corradi hopes to change with his book intimi. "Queer folks have been represented as either white-washed, sanitised sidekicks in bowties or troubled souls wheeled out in body bags in crime procedurals. And while we've come so far in being seen and heard – there's an entire spectrum of incredibly positive, brave, diverse human beings in the rainbow community that deserve to be elevated and celebrated," Federico says.

Intimi, meaning "intimate" in Italian, takes a different look at many of New Zealand's queer communities and applies an intimate lens to the different perceptions and expressions of positive masculinity across the LGBTQIA+ sphere.

This large-format film photography book will be a collection of portraiture and pull quotes from those creating their own moulds of masculinity and queerness. "I want this book to show others in our community what love, intimacy, and queerness look like; different colours, shapes, and forms. That there isn't just one [queer] standard like what mainstream media decides is the best way, but there are actually a million ways, and they're all valid, beautiful, and worth celebrating," Federico says.

"I hope this book shapes the way the community sees itself and influences it in a positive way, so people are more confident in themselves and a good to each other too."

Through film photography, Federico is able to ensure the moments he captures remain genuine and natural, telling the honest truths of those he photographs. This timeless medium means intimi will be a lasting snapshot of what queerness in Aotearoa looks like today. "I want this book to inspire kindness and (self) acceptance within our community and show Aotearoa and the rest of the world that positive masculinities come in different shapes and forms."

For Federico, the journey of creating a catalogue of diverse queerness is as intimately personal as it is representative of Aotearoa's rainbow community. "I thrive off connecting with others and loving my friends: completing this book will mean connecting with new friends and learning about what positive masculinity means to them."

Alongside developing intimi, Federico has established photosynthesis, an accessible studio space dedicated to supporting photographers, videographers, and creatives in the city. This was spurred on by his struggles to meet the costs associated with premium photography: equipment, studio space, and film.

intimi has already attracted the support of The Rātā Foundation, the Christchurch City Council, and Creative NZ, as Federico’s concept has been chosen as one of the 15 Boosted crowdfunding projects for 2022. Boosted is a crowdfunding resource designed to help creatives in New Zealand fund projects, performances, and exhibitions, among other artistic pursuits. For the last couple of weeks, Federico and his team have been working towards the lofty goal of raising 22.5 thousand dollars, and so far, the campaign has been going strong – but it is certainly not over.

Now on the home stretch, with just under 30 per cent of their funding goal yet to be raised, Federico and the team are at battle stations eagerly trying to get the last few thousand over the line. They need all the help they can get to meet the requirements of the Boosted campaign, of which they must raise 100 per cent of their funding goal.

"It's all or nothing. If my campaign doesn't reach its goal of $22.5K – every donation will be returned to the donors, and my book will never see the light of day," Federico says. If this sounds like a project you want to support and are keen to help Federico present authentic queer images of Aotearoa folks, click here. The campaign ends 30 June 2022. Let’s help get Federico over the line!

True and honest representation