August 7, 2023 (WASHINGTON DC) 

American Photographic Artists (APA) is proud to announce Chad Unger (he/him) as the 2023 recipient of the annual LGBTQIAP+ Photography Grant sponsored by APA’s Washington, D.C., chapter (APA | DC).

A panel of distinguished jurors selected Chad’s project from 142 applications across the globe. He is a deaf-queer visual artist originally from Maryland and currently based in Los Angeles.

Chad’s grant submission, “Deaf Gays: An Untold Perspective of Living Through The AIDS Crisis,” documents the stories of Deaf Queer elders through interviews and collecting related materials such as old magazines, past photographs, and current photography and videography. This work will follow their journeys of self-discovery, showcasing their strength and resilience as they navigate the complexities of being a part of two marginalized communities during a time of crisis and societal upheaval.

“It means a great deal to me and the community I aim to represent through my project. The grant will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in advancing my research and shedding light on the experiences of Deaf Individuals during the AIDS Crisis,” said Unger.

APA|DC launched the $3,000 grant in 2022 for emerging and established photographers to celebrate diversity and help LGBTQIAP+ photographers receive funding, recognition, and representation in the professional photographic community. Photographers age 18+ worldwide who self-identified as LGBTQIAP+ were eligible to apply.

The grant’s jury panel consisted of industry leaders and included: Michael Wichita, Photo Director, AARP; Jemma Dilag, Residential Creative Project Manager; N. Kirkpatrick, Visual Reporter, The Washington Post; Chaya Howell, Founder, Marginalized in Mind, Content Manager, Neuehouse; Eboné Bell, Founder and Editor, Tagg Magazine, Keynote Speaker; and Jacob Moscovitch, Photo Editor, The New York Times.

“APA|DC is pleased to continue its sponsorship of this vital grant to help amplify the voices of LGBTQIAP+ photographers, and delighted by the global response and strength of the applications we received from around the world. Our judges felt that Chad Unger's ongoing work on the story of the AIDS crisis through the perspective of deaf queer elders was an exemplary project to support with this annual award, and we couldn't agree more,” said Mike Morgan, APA|DC Chapter Chair.