A Case of Mistaken Identity

As the lesbian photographic project continues on, we find ourselves hanging out in places where we are likely to meet lesbians. Just last week, for example, we set up in front of the Cubbyhole, a bar in the West Village section of Manhattan catering to a gay clientele, and waited for likely looking subjects to pass by. When we stop potential subjects, sometimes we are met with a good-naturedly asked question, "Why do you think I'm a lesbian?" and sometimes we are turned down because the person is straight. For the most part, however, the people we stop respond favorably and consent to having their portrait made.

That was the case with Tanja, a striking-looking German woman we met in Provincetown.

Tanja

Considering her look, the fact that she was with several other women as they strolled through the gay community of Provincetown led us to the conclusion that she was a lesbian. Imagine the surprise then in receiving the following, charming email from Tanja early this morning (grammar and spelling have not been corrected): 

Dear Robert,
I saw my picture on your homepage yesterday. I'm really honored and I like it very much. It was a speziell experience. I noticed the titel of the project and I think you have to know that I'm not homosexuell. I can't remember if you or the nice women told me about that before we startet to take the picture. Otherwise I would have mentioned this immediatly. I would be very proud if you don't change the picture but I will understand your descision if you will do.

Uuuhhh writing in english isn't that easy. 

Yours Tanja 

PS: I was really laughing wenn I got the titel "lesbian Portraits" and on the other hand it was a strange feeling. But don't worry about that. It didnt happend to me for the first time.

Sigh. Sometimes the perfect look just turns out not to be...