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Koby Lee

Dr. Pisano

English 102

February 7th, 2017

Visual Analysis

The image I chose for this assignment is an understated black and white photo of trans

rights activist Marsha P. Johnson handing out flyers. She is surrounded by other activists

protesting the treatment of gay students at New York University. I chose this image because it

shows two sides behind the Gay Liberation Movement. In the photo, you can clearly see the side

of the movement that many are familiar with, the side that shows the liberationists as angry

activists who are always protesting. But in the picture you can also see a side of gay and trans

activists that is a more natural, less shown side. In the photo, you can clearly see people who,

while they are angry, are also tired. They are protesting but they are also fighting to support

others. This photograph shows a side of gay and trans activists that is much more human. Diana

Davies, the photographer who caught this iconic moment frozen in time, is an American

photographer who was one of the most prominent photojournalists capturing the Feminist and

Gay Liberation movements during the 1960’s and 70’s. Many of her pieces are housed in

prominent collections in places such as the Smithsonian Museum, the New York Public Library,

and the Swarthmore Peace Collection. She caught this photo at a protest that was protesting in

support of students at New York University who were being mistreated on the basis of their

sexual orientation.
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In the photo, Marsha P. Johnson stands at the forefront, handing out flyers to bystanders

who are passing by the rally. Immediately behind Marsha stands fellow protestors who are

brandishing signs and talking with others who are watching the rally take place. Directly on the

right side of the image stands an activist holding a sign that states “Come out of your ivory

towers & into the street”. The photo is in black and white. The image is very plain and has no

extravagant embellishments within it. It presents the struggles that activists faced during the

early 1970’s in a very matter-of-fact tone. These activists look tired, beaten, and worn down by

their daily fights. Police officers stand in the background directing protestors to stay within a

specific area. The lack of color in the photograph gives the image a casual feel indicating that

this fight is not a new fight. These protestors live within this struggle for basic rights, day in and

day out.

Davies used this image to show that while the fight for gay liberation seemed new to

those viewing it from the outside, this fight was not a new fight. She took the photo in such a

way that there is nothing beautiful or extravagant about it. The angle and subject matter of the

picture is very ordinary and subtle, giving a normalized feel to an issue that can easily be viewed

as larger than life. This gives logos to the image because a major part of the Gay Liberation

Movement is the intention to change the societal view of sexual minorities to one that is much

more inclusive and accepting, which is what Davies has done with this photograph.

In the image is chose for this assignment, you can clearly see trans rights activist Marsha

P. Johnson handing out flyers in support of gay students at N.Y.U. I chose this image because it

gives a casual view to an issue that can be viewed as larger than life, and uses a very matter-of-

fact tone to something that is very politicized in modern media.