rights
New photo exhibit celebrating queer veterans brings healing & unity: "It's really been just a joy”
By Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation
· June 27, 2026
· 4 min read
To photographer Mel Porter, one of the clearest examples of the Trump administration's antipathy for the LGBTQ+ community isn't what it's done, but what it has stopped doing. “I actually do work for the Veterans Hospital in Buffalo,” Porter said. “And one of the things that's been noticeable is, the
Key takeaway “I actually do work for the Veterans Hospital in Buffalo,” Porter said.
Why this matters
The Queer Veterans Project's photo exhibit highlights the importance of visibility and acknowledgment for LGBTQ+ service members, particularly in the face of administrative efforts to erase their contributions. By sharing their stories and experiences, the project aims to counter the subtle yet damaging tactics of censorship and silence. The Trump administration's ban on flying Pride flags at VA hospitals and properties is a stark example of this erasure, and the project's efforts to document and celebrate LGBTQ+ service members' time in the military serve as a direct response. The exhibit's success, as evidenced by the turnout and positive response, demonstrates the power of storytelling and community in promoting healing and unity among queer veterans. As the project continues to share these stories, it may help to create a cultural shift, one that recognizes and values the contributions of LGBTQ+ service members and promotes a more inclusive and accepting environment for all veterans.
About this story
Original reporting by LGBTQ Nation . LGBTQ News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
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Category: rights ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: LGBTQ Nation ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? To photographer Mel Porter, one of the clearest examples of the Trump administration's antipathy for the LGBTQ+ community isn't what it's done, but what it has stopped doing. “I actually do work for the Veterans Hospital in Buffalo,” Porter said. “And one of the things that's been noticeable is, the
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by LGBTQ Nation and curated for LGBTQ News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Greg Owen at LGBTQ Nation. To learn more about how LGBTQ News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more rights coverage from LGBTQ News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .