Welcome to Seven Minutes in Heaven, GO Magazine’s interview series that profiles a different queer babe each day, by asking them seven unique (and sometimes random) questions. Get to know the thoughts, feelings, and opinions of the groundbreaking, fierce forces-of-nature in the queer community.
I met Shea Carmen Swan through my work here at GO Magazine — she’s been our staff photographer for some time now. She has a vibrant energy as soon as she walks into a space and is always ready to get down to business. During events, Swan can be found with her camera gear around her neck, big smile across her face, snapping beautiful photos of all you lezzies. But who is the woman behind the lens? Good question! And exactly why we wanted to feature her in our daily column Seven Minutes in Heaven.
Get to know the photographer you see out at all the queer events. She’s pretty badass, if we do say so ourselves.
GO Magazine: Who are you and what do you do?
Shea Carmen Swan: I’m Shea Carmen Swan. I’m a tattooed photographer, journalist, DJ, poi spinner, rape survivor, artist, Leo rising-Libra-Aquarius Moon, and lesbian.
I graduated from The New School May 2015 w a BA in Journalism + Design and a minor in Gender Studies. After years of working odd jobs like pizza delivery biker and barista, I’ve been doing photography full-time for over a year and a half. I truly believe that as long as I’m doing what I love, I’ll never work a day in my life.
GO: Where do you go for inspiration when you’re feeling discouraged or depleted?
SCS: I turn to my community. I always look for new music or have friends suggest bands, artists or albums for me to check out. I rely heavily on music for inspiration and therapy. Every genre from heavy metal to house/ EDM (except for SKA & country music: I hate them, sorry) has a special place in my heart and my mood always dictates what genre I’m listening to.
GO: Who are your queer role models?
SCS: bell hooks, Audrey Lorde, and Zanele Muholi.
GO: Describe yourself in three words.
SCS: ReckLez, Survivor, Evolving.
GO: What music are you listening to right now?
SCS: Tap Water Drinking by Lewis Del Mar.
GO: Why do you think it’s so important to have queer-centric events and spaces?
SCS: Queer-centric events and spaces are VITAL to our community because it’s where our fight for equality was born, it’s where we go to be surrounded by and connect with like-minded people, and it’s a safe space where we are free to be our true, free selves!
GO: Where can people find you?
SCS: IG: @Sheaography & @Sepora_Poi
www.facebook.com/sheaography
www.sheaography.com
shea@sheaography.com
What Do You Think?