Jay R. Lawton (1961-2013) was a Los Angeles-based photographer who devoted much of his work recording the Leather/Fetish/Kink community. A constant presence at leather title contests, bar events, and pride festivals, Lawton was the primary documentary recorder for the vibrant world of men and women engaged in the alternative lifestyle of sexual freedom and tribal camaraderie. Prior to his death, Lawton had finished shooting Project 50. In his memory, friends and community members raised the funds to complete his final legacy work. The Jay R. Lawton Collection is a part of the collections at ONE Archives at the USC Libraries.

In his own words:

"Project 50 is an ongoing effort to photograph 50 gay men who are 50 years or older. The objective is twofold: on one level it is an effort to dispel the common impression that if you are gay and over 50 you are no longer considered desirable. This is often an internalized feeling for men over 50, so the second objective is to address this by providing these men the opportunity to confront these fears and display to themselves and to the world the unique qualities that make them attractive. These men are survivors. They were at their sexual peak during the AIDS crisis and many of them, myself included, never dreamed that they would live to see this age. This is the common thread that underlies this series of images." Presented by: ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives

ONE Archives Gallery & Museum

626 N Robertson Blvd.

West Hollywood

Admission - Free, except during LA Pride Festival on June 7-8 when you must purchase a ticket to the LA Pride Festival to view the exhibit.

www.one.usc.edu  

Exhibition on view June 7 - 22, 2014. Normal gallery hours are Thursday, 4-8pm, and Friday/Saturday/Sunday 1-5pm. Please note that during the LA PRIDE Weekend, June 7-8, 2014, the exhibition will only be accessible from within the Festival.

Pride Ride will offer a safe and convenient way to reach a destination in the City of West Hollywood during Pride Weekend, June 6-8. For more info, click here.

Parking is free for the first hour before 6:00pm at a parking garage located at the end of El Tovar Place.