Launched in June 2022, Tulle Queer is an ongoing series of portraits and a yearly photo exhibition that honors 717 based photographer Brady Pappas’ chosen family and the diverse LGBTQ+ icons shaping small-town life in Pennsylvania.

Initially inspired by Pappas' love of using tulle in their fashion photography, Tulle Queer has evolved into a platform for individuals to express themselves confidently and authentically, while highlighting the often-overlooked queer magic that exists in small-town communities. Through the project, Pappas aims to empower participants by creating a sacred space where the subjects can be honored and celebrated by their community while also making art that has an impact beyond just Pennsylvania. The annual exhibition takes place in June for Pride month each year.

Tulle Queer "icons" are celebrated through free, on-location photoshoots across South Central PA, with one photo from each shoot selected to show during the exhibition. From its 2022 debut at Waldo’s & Co during Gettysburg Pride to its recent exhibition in 2025 at West Art in Lancaster, PA, Tulle Queer thrives in highlighting the diversity and magic of LGBTQ+ culture in places that are often overlooked in queer representation.

Brady's journey growing up queer in York, Pennsylvania, to embracing their identity as a trans non-binary artist serves as the inspiration for the series. At the age of eighteen, photography became a transformative escape for Brady, leading them to spaces that helped them to cultivate self-love. Now, they aim for their photographs and the legacy of Tulle Queer to inspire similar empowerment in its subjects and viewers. Through this project, Tulle Queer aims to address a void in queer representation, particularly in fashion, beauty, and media, by highlighting the universal magic inherent in all queer individuals.

Press

Lancaster Online: 'Tulle Queer' Celebrates Local LGBTQ+ Community

Fox 43: Tulle Queer Photo Exhibition Celebrate LGBTQ+ Community

For inquiries, contact brady@bradypappas.photography