Men Alone – Men Together
Mark Beehre
Steele Roberts - RRP $39.99

Men Alone – Men Together combines photography and oral history to document the lives of 45 gay men — 14 couples, 14 single men and one trio — and how their journeys have, for the moment, led them towards or away from relationships.

In their own words they recount defining moments in their lives, as well as touching on significant events in New Zealand’s social history. Many of the men grew up in a world that condemned homosexuality, and in which the expression of their love for each other carried the risk of imprisonment. In contrast, it is now nearly 25 years since homosexual law reform, gay men’s and women’s civil rights are protected and the Civil Union Act provides legal recognition of their relationships.
Men Alone – Men Together reflects the immense diversity of the gay world. These men are our workmates and neighbours. They are gardeners and jewellers, teachers and builders, priests and fathers, each with a story to tell of remarkable determination and courage.

About the author:

Mark Beehre initially trained as a specialist physician, working for several years before studying photography at the Elam School of Fine Arts in Auckland and Massey University in Wellington. He graduated with a BFA in 2004, and completed a post-graduate Diploma in Fine Arts in 2009.
Mark’s passion for photography allows creative and personal expression, and is a perfect complement to the discipline of medicine. He is particularly interested in the documentation of people and places, and is a member of the Wellington-based collective exposed, with whom he has exhibited in New Zealand and overseas.
Mark currently lives in Wellington. Men Alone – Men Together is his first book, one of which he can be both pleased and proud.

The book is now on sale but will be formally launched at Unity Books 57 Willis Street, Wellington at 6.00pm on 16 February. Readers of this blog are warmly invited to the launch.

The author is also celebrating his book with its Auckland subjects and his Auckland friends at Dymocks Ponsonby 344 Ponsonby Road on 17 March at 6.00 pm. All welcome.