Date16th December 2025Date KnownExactDescriptionSammy and I grew up together in Bossley Park, attending the same high school and living just streets apart. As teenagers, we shared the unspoken affinity that queer people often find in each other before having the language to understand why, demonstrated by kindness, recognition and a willingness to show up for one another. These photographs were taken when Sammy returned home to Fairfield during the summer holidays. Now Mother of Kiki House of Klein and a respected figure in the ballroom community, Sammy is also an artist and a mentor, supporting young queer people as they explore and express their creative selves. Pictured here with her mother Michelle, the images capture a quiet moment of tenderness as Michelle helps brush Sammy’s hair. Though our families may not always have the tools to fully understand our expressions of gender and self, witnessing Michelle’s unconditional acceptance feels like balm for the soul. The familiarity of the surrounding clutter of ornaments and collected objects reminds me of home, of families who may not have much, but hold onto everything they do.
- Chloë Nour, February 2026PhotographerChloë NourNotesThese photographs are part of the 2025 City Photographer project.
Details
Image ColourColourTypeDigitalCopyrightPartial restriction. Please contact Fairfield City Heritage Services for image use.AcknowledgementChloë Nour 2025 Fairfield City Photographer. Image courtesy of Fairfield City Heritage Collection.
