'LGBTQ of Steel' Shows Strength and Resiliency

These powerful individuals have bared their souls, bending and molding a seemingly unmovable ribbon of steel to exemplify their individual struggles and hardships and ultimate triumphs.

Their stories relate no easy struggle to live in accordance with their gender identity and sexual orientation -- essential elements of personal liberty, dignity, and autonomy. In their own words, they describe transforming a seemingly unyielding reality (represented by the ribbons of steel in the photos) into lives of service, art, friendship, and humor.

Some of the celebrities featured include: Alec Mapa, Margaret Cho, Frank De Caro, John Duran, and 93 year-old Bob Clement who was at Stonewall, at the first Pride Parade, and who opened his church to all the LGBT people there.

"Just as these courageous LGBTQ people bend and shape steel in these photos, they tell in their own words of bending the realities of their lives to become the individuals they were meant to be," comments Gordon.

Where there was hate and rejection, they chose love. Where there was fear, they chose courage. When they faced falsehoods, they chose truth. When threatened, they chose a quiet resistance. And when isolated, they built community.

See more on Jan's web site, Instagram, and Facebook. Order LGBTQ of Steel here.