In recent years, the “Queer” in LGBTQ has risen in prominence building on LGBs achievement of certain social acceptance. However, in counterpoint to this sense of a rapidly unfolding history, Jeffrey Cougler is interested in various sources that argue the concept of operating outside of or across normative gendered expectations is as old as history itself. While in residence in the Project Space, Cougler will be researching the VSW archive for images that address how in past centuries gay men presented themselves as women as well as same-sex sexual expression. From the research, he will be creating drawings to ultimately be part of a book of queerness before the onset of queer.

After 20 years as a World Trade Center Graphic Design professional, 9/11 led Jeffrey Cougler to earn an MFA, Computer Graphics Design, from RIT. He taught university level design principles and was ImageOut Art committee Chair for which VSW was the host venue. He volunteers at Easton Mountain, a gay retreat center.

Support for this exhibition came from the Max and Marion Farash Foundation, Joy of Giving Something, and the New York State Council on the Arts Visual Arts program.