Beard photo in Whidbey Island exhibit hits a snarl

OAK HARBOR — A photography show at the Oak Harbor Library has come under scrutiny by some members of the public who object to an image of a bearded man dressed as a female pirate.

The complaints echo a national trend in which bias and violence against drag queens is on the rise, even resulting in laws seeking to ban performances.

Last year, Freeland photographer Michael Holtby began a search for participants in his quest to photograph unique facial hair, which he titled the Whidbey Beard Project. So far, he’s taken 50 portraits, each accompanied by its own flair, whether it’s an instrument, a pet, an article of clothing or some other interest.

“The main theme is, you can’t judge people by what they look like,” Holtby said. “These guys aren’t necessarily what they appear to be when you first see them.”

https://www.heraldnet.com/northwest/beard-photo-in-whidbey-island-exhibit-hits-a-snarl/

Where to begin on this? Anyone old enough to remember the Milton Berle show? There were times he would appear in a dress. It was considered comedy and no one thought their kids were going to turn out gay from seeing it or anything else.

Except for the boobs one could think the guy in the photo was a Scotsman. Back in the day wealthier men did wear makeup to cover scars from pox and syphilis. Lace was also part of what a gentleman wore.

Finally speaking as one who grew up in Oak Harbor, these folks probably would be shocked by some of the books in the city's library. Conservatives generally don't read but that might be the next battle.