‘The world wasn’t ready for me’: Del LaGrace Volcano on photographing S&M scenes, leather-clad lesbians and a drag king self-portrait

Renowned Photographer Del LaGrace Volcano Reflects on a Life of Defying Conformity

Del LaGrace Volcano, a pioneering US photographer known for their provocative images of LGBTQ+ communities and themes of sexual desire, has found an unlikely home in the quiet Swedish city of Örebro. Having lived in London for much of their life, Volcano has traded in the city's vibrant nightlife and queer culture for a more subdued existence, punctuated by walks in a nearby forest and trips to the local swimming pool with their two children. Despite this change, Volcano's past is still marked by a series of bold choices that have defined their career and personal life.

Volcano's work, which was once banned in some countries due to its explicit nature, is now celebrated in museums and galleries around the world. Their photographs, which document lesbian cruising culture, drag kings, and other themes of sexual desire, have become iconic representations of the LGBTQ+ community. In their younger years, Volcano lived in squats, attended S&M fetish parties, and was an integral part of London's queer scene. While they acknowledge that Örebro is not a queer city, Volcano has found a sense of peace and contentment in their current life, albeit one that is far removed from their previous experiences.

At 68, Volcano identifies as intersex and uses the term "hermaphrodyke" to describe themselves. They have chosen to "pass as apparently a little old man," a decision that reflects the complexities of their identity and the need to navigate a world that often struggles to accommodate non-conforming individuals. Despite these challenges, Volcano's legacy as a pioneering photographer and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists.