Alan Bonner
“The shoot was fun. I’d worked with Chris before but we had a giggle and he put me at ease. I was hesitant about going nude to start with, but then I began to see it as an act of joy and self acceptance, about being unapologetically visible, imperfections and all, which is what the project is all about. I definitely walked out feeling more confident than when I went in.“
Alan Bonner
Alan is a queer singer, musician and writer. Through music, words and performance, he explores identity and connection, using his voice and presence to take up space without apology.
For Alan, being queer means living truthfully, embracing who you are and showing up for others in your community. It’s taken time, but he’s learning to stand tall, unapologetic, and proud.
He finds strength in friendship – being loved, flaws and all, and loving others the same way. That, to him, is what it means to be truly seen.
Alan expresses himself not just through his art, but in how he dresses, how he moves, and how he relates to the world.
His message to his younger self and queer kids:
You are brilliant. You are worthy. Don’t waste time on people who make you feel small. You deserve love – just as you are.
This is UNCUT — a raw, striking portrait series by award-winning photographer Chris Jepson capturing the power and pride of Queer Joy, shot in a barber’s chair. No filters, no retouching, no compromise. Just bold, beautiful people taking up space exactly as they are.