Queer AF Gallery’s New Photo Exhibit Explores Harvey Milk’s San Francisco

An historic corner in the Castro came alive on June 6, when Queer Arts Featured (Queer AF), an art gallery located in the former 1970 home of Castro Camera, unveiled an exhibit that honored the original camera store’s legacy. “Positives & Negatives: Memories From Castro Camera in the Time of Harvey Milk,” marks the first exhibition of Castro Camera photography in its original location since the store closed its doors in the late 1970s. The unprecedented showing featured work from six photographers and archivists, including Daniel Nicoletta, who worked alongside Harvey Milk at the legendary camera shop that became a cornerstone of LGBTQ+ activism and community.

The exhibit’s most provocative revelations came through four erotic nude photographs shot by Harvey Milk himself, displayed with special permission from the Hormel Center at SFPL and available as limited-run prints. Grammy-nominated musician RonKat Spearman and John Cotto provided stirring musical accompaniment, while original Al Fellahin dance troupe members Phillip Ruise and Malia DeFelice performed in the gallery space. Queer AF co-founder and owner Devlin Shand and Magician of Operations and Artist Liaison Rhys Dean Rainer curated the inspiring opening night fete, bringing together featured photographers, photo subjects and a raucous crowd celebrating the radical joy and self-expression of 1970s Castro. DJ Jason Godfrey’s 70s-inspired set capped the night. “Positives & Negatives: Memories From Castro Camera in the Time of Harvey Milk,” is on view through July 27.