Asafe Ghalib is a Brazilian photographer and activist. Currently based in London, he is committed to giving visibility to the LGBTQI+ community. Ghalib believes people should have the opportunity to express themselves authentically in pursuit of equal rights by sharing different perspectives on gender and race.
Q > When was the first time you picked up a camera? What motivated you to do so?
A > When I was 17, on Christmas Day. I took a video of my family enjoying Christmas night. I love to create visual things, feelings, the necessity to create something, feel alive and create something for other people. Images provide a different perspective from mine, and a sense of empathy for other people.
Q > How far do you think that one’s environment affects one’s attitude and identity?
A > I was born in a very religious family in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro, and it was very challenging to express myself. Since I came to London in 2013 I started a journey of self discovery, and had to find my path — not only as a person, but also as an artist. I think art and self discovery go along together, and it’s a process of exploring and self-expression.
Q > Hopes and fears: What are you most afraid of, and what gives you hope?
A > I fear not being able to do what I do. I’m afraid of many things, but over the past year and a half, I was afraid of losing my Mum in Brazil. I hope that I will see her very soon.
Q > Tell us about your most unconventional project (even if it did not materialise).
A > I travelled to my hometown, Rio de Janeiro. Brazil is a country that kills a very high number of LGBTQ+ people. I went to visit a group of queer people who live in the favelas, the first time I had ever visited. I photographed them in their homes. Taking photos in the Favela was challenging, but we felt safe, because the community seemed to protect their people. We published an article called “Queerlombola”, talking about their lives and experiences living in this environment. It seemed that people living in this underprivileged environment were more able to be themselves than in a more conventional “privileged” environment, where perhaps people are more judgemental.
Q > Share some of your biggest influences or main sources of inspiration.
A > I have a few photographers that I look up to: Rafael Pavarotti, Paul Kooiker and Heather Glazzard. I am inspired by people’s behaviour and authenticity.
Q > Do you feel that photography can impact social change? What are you hoping to evoke or uncover through your work?
A > I think photography can be used to create social impact. I want to show how diverse human existence can be, and how unique we are when we start to be honest with ourselves and with each other. Every time we open ourselves to be authentic, and to share our own unique stories. In this society which judges who doesn’t fit a social norm, we are making a political act. Photography can be one of the tools to help inspire people to break through society’s boundaries.
Q > Challenging conversations, social shifts: which topics do you find yourself debating these days?
A > I like to challenge labels. Trying to get rid of all the labels that society keeps applying to us. Even though we have to create a sense of diversity, and give names to things. I also feel that those labels separate us somehow. I prefer to not categorise people, and try not to define myself.
Q > What are your hopes or dreams when it comes to support for the LGBTQI+ community — are there any particular efforts that should be amplified?
A > More empathy should be given towards what is different, because this is what is going to make us grow as a society.
Images courtesy of the artist © Asafe Ghalib
