Alexey Kim Portfolio

I am an independent queer visual journalist and photographer based in New York, documenting LGBTQIA+ culture, social movements, and creative expression through photography and video. My work centers empathy, identity, and visibility, spanning protest coverage, nightlife, art, fashion, and intimate portraits of community life. I have produced both independent and commissioned projects, with work appearing in Vogue, The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Cut, Dazed Digital, Hyperallergic, Them, and more. Whether on assignment or self-initiated documentary projects, I aim to highlight resilience, creativity, and complexity across the communities, artists, and cultural spaces I document.

Portraits of Prince Faggot Cast

New York, NY 2025

Group of seven diverse people sitting together in front of red velvet curtains, posing for a photo.

I was commissioned to shoot portraits of the all-queer and trans cast of Prince Faggot play for social-media use. Two portraits featuring the leading trans women were published in Vogue in the article “The Women of ‘Prince Faggot’ Find Their Light.”

Two men sitting on a red velvet couch in a cozy, dimly lit lounge or restaurant with red table lamps and a vintage mirror in the background.

A woman with curly hair lounging on red stools in a dimly lit, lavish restaurant with red decor and green plants.

A woman in a black and white patterned dress sitting on a chair in a dimly lit restaurant with red lighting, red carpet, and artwork on the walls.

The Latex Ball at Terminal 5

New York, NY 2025

The Latex Ball was first organized by GMHC (Gay Men’s Health Crisis) in 1990 to raise awareness of the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic within the ballroom community. Since 1993, it has become an annual tradition. While it continues to raise awareness and provide resources, it is also still a space where the community gathers in (mostly) friendly competition for trophies and cash prizes.

Two women dressed in glamorous, shiny, and embellished costumes pose backstage at a performance or event.

Femme Queen Face category. Sade (left) vs. ballroom icon Tanay Penda’vis (right).

A performer dressed as a fantasy creature with large red and white wings, white fur, and a white costume stands on stage at an event called the Latex Ball. Several people are gathered around and in the audience, with some looking up at the performer.

Butch Queen European Runway category.

A person dressed in an elaborate, vibrant yellow costume with large feathered wings, standing on a stage decorated with silver streamers, at what appears to be a pride parade or celebration.

A fight erupts during the Legendary Runway category.

Performer in a black and white checkered outfit lying on stage in a pose during a live performance, with an audience watching in the background.

Old Way category.

Two performers lying on the stage floor in front of an audience, one dressed in an all-white outfit with blond hair, and the other in a colorful, patterned bodysuit with makeup and short black hair, during a stage performance.

New Way category.

A person in an elaborate costume decorated with purple and pink flowers, featuring large floral adornments and feathers, during a parade or festival.

Performer with colorful face paint, elaborate costume with floral and animal print details, and a large flower headpiece, posing against a dark background, possibly at a carnival or performance event.

Person in flamboyant, flower-themed costume with bright makeup, white gloves, and flowers protruding from head and outfit during a performance.

Looks from the Gender Non-Conforming Runway.

Rhizome World Exhibit at WSA

New York, NY 2025

Rhizome’s inaugural exhibition Hello World took over the 8th and 9th floors of the Water Street Project building from April 18 to May 11, 2025. Over four consecutive weeks, Rhizome curated a program of interactive installations, artist talks, and performances. I was invited to document the opening event.

People lying on the floor next to a large speaker, with some resting their heads close to the speaker.

Guests experiencing Heaven & Earth Diptych by Emmett James Palaima- a spatial-audio installation featuring a dozen suspended speakers above a stage with a built-in sub-woofer that emitted music, ambient sounds, and deep vibrations, best experienced while lying on the stage itself.

Crowd gathered at an art gallery or event space, viewing a hanging art installation of intertwined wires and lights from a balcony.

A man and a woman are lying on a black platform, smiling and laughing, with a large speaker between them, in an indoor setting.

A small, pink-lit computer corner with a monitor showing a cartoon character and the text "Prepares Your Personal Touch." There is a keyboard, mouse, and a pink chair with neon pink lighting outlining the walls, ceiling, and floor.

Tax Heaven 3000 by MSCHF, curated by Thalia Stefaniuk- a satirical dating simulator that doubles as a tax-preparation tool. MSCHF, a Brooklyn-based art collective, blurs the line between art and social commentary.

A woman is sitting at a pink computer booth with pink neon lights, looking at a monitor displaying a dating simulation game featuring an animated female character with pink hair and a blue outfit. The booth has a large transparent panel with an anime-style illustration of the same pink-haired character.

Thalia Stefaniuk enjoying the simulator.

Halcyon.exe: The Ride by Mark Fingerhut, curated by PWA (Alison Sirico and Sam Black)- a nostalgic digital installation that engages the senses while evoking the aesthetics of early web culture.

Wiederhoeft SS25

New York, NY 2024

A fashion runway show with a model in a white gown walking, an audience seated in the background, and a woman in a white dress sitting on a chair in the foreground, under dramatic lighting.

I was commissioned to photograph Wiederhoeft’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection during New York Fashion Week. The collection, titled Manifesto, celebrated the brand’s five-year anniversary and introduced a size-inclusive ready-to-wear corsetry program available in 68 sizes.

Two women standing against a white wall, wearing matching white strapless corsets and long white skirts with front slits, and white high heels, viewed from behind.

Size-inclusive corsetry remains relatively rare in high-fashion ready-to-wear space. The signature “WASP” corset was presented by 26 women of varying body types, each dressed in identical bridal attire.

A woman with long black hair wearing a white dress decorated with shiny shells or beads, standing against a plain wall.

Japanese dancer Mio Ishikawa opened the show with a performance wearing the Mio gown adorned with mother-of-pearl shells.

A group of women dressed in white wedding gowns with veils, holding white roses, standing together in a building with an industrial interior and metal beams. Some of them are smiling and photos are being taken.

Group of women of diverse ethnicities dressed in white wedding dresses with veils, posing and dancing on a dark stage with spotlight overhead, in a fashion show or performance setting.

Part fashion show and part performance, the event culminated theatrically as the “brides” surrounded Mio Ishikawa in a swirl of movement before offering her a white rose. The show ended as Mio rose from her chair, dropped the roses, and made a final lap to close the presentation.

Women dressed in white gowns and veils standing in a line on a dark stage, with one woman sitting on a chair holding a bouquet of white roses, while another woman offers her a rose.

Vela de las Auténticas Intrépidas Buscadoras del Peligro

Juchitán de Zaragoza, Mexico 2024

Women in colorful traditional dresses and floral headpieces holding flowers, surrounded by people taking photos at an outdoor event.

For the past 50 years, the festival Vela de las Auténticas Intrépidas Buscadoras del Peligro — a celebration honoring Mexico’s third gender, the muxes — has taken place in the Istmo de Tehuantepec region of Oaxaca. In Zapotec culture, muxes have been integral to the fabric of society since pre-colonial times. Every November, thousands of attendees travel to the indigenous town of Juchitán de Zaragoza to participate in a week-long program of events and festivities.

People participating in a cultural celebration, wearing traditional colorful clothing, with some holding flowers and umbrellas, and one person taking a photo.

The traditional weekend begins with Regada de Frutas (“Fruit Throwing Parade”) on Friday evening, the prelude to the main event of the weekend- La Vela. The parade is a vibrant Zapotec tradition symbolizing generosity, abundance, and community, with muxes showering the crowd with fruit and household gifts.

Women dressed in traditional Mexican attire sitting on decorated float during a parade, surrounded by colorful decorations and lanterns.

Women dressed in colorful traditional clothes participating in a street parade, carrying floral wreaths and baskets, with a crowd of spectators watching.

A woman dressed in traditional Mexican attire, with a colorful embroidered dress and a white umbrella, stands in a crowd during a parade or festival.

A muxe matriarch, Felina Santiago, marches through the streets during Regada de Frutas.

Women dressed in traditional Mexican attire sitting in a decorated parade float with flowers and colorful costumes in a street parade.

La Misa is the church mass typically held on Saturday afternoon before La Vela. The mass holds deep cultural and spiritual significance: it is a moment for participants to honor and seek blessings from the divine, pay homage to their identities, their community, and their loved ones.

This celebration is deeply rooted in Zapotec tradition, where muxes who identify outside the binary gender system, are recognized and celebrated as integral members of society. The mass provides a moment of spiritual reflection and gratitude, acknowledging the muxes’ contributions while asking for strength and protection in the face of societal challenges.

By including this religious component, La Vela bridges muxes’ cultural identity with broader spiritual traditions, symbolizing a harmonious coexistence of indigenous and Catholic practices. The ritual underscores resilience and pride while affirming muxes’ connection to both community and faith.

Woman wearing a blue lace headscarf and a white lace shawl, standing indoors against a metal wall.

A muxe at La Misa wearing huipil grande, a traditional headdress associated with Tehuana women of Oaxaca.

A woman with red hair and large hoop earrings, dressed in a colorful embroidered dress, stands against a white wall, with people partially visible in the foreground.

A woman wearing a yellow skirt and a colorful embroidered top, with floral accessories on her head, standing near a mural about indigenous culture. The mural features animated characters and the words 'Chaa Bich' or 'Biaozon'.

Spectators outside of La Misa. The mass is held in a small church unable to host a large crowd that gathers to witness it.

Women in colorful traditional Mexican dresses and floral headpieces participating in a cultural celebration or parade.

A person wearing traditional Mexican folkloric attire, including a floral headpiece, ornate jewelry, and embroidered clothing.

Women dressed in colorful traditional Mexican attire with floral headpieces, holding flowers, participating in a cultural celebration outdoors.

Woman wearing a floral dress with gold jewelry and colorful flowers in her hair, holding a flower and a scroll, at a festive event with people in traditional attire in the background.

The outfits at La Misa vary, but will always have a traditional nod.

In 2025 La Vela turns 50. Begun in 1975 as a small private celebration, it has grown into a major event drawing thousands from around the world. Over the years, La Vela has expanded to include workshops and community programs that foster creativity and activism. The celebration highlights achievements, shared experiences, and collective resilience.

A woman in traditional attire riding on a decorated float during a night parade, surrounded by a crowd.

2024 Queen Naomi Méndez makes a grand entrance ahead of her inaugural performance.

Person wearing a bright turquoise dress with lace details, standing among a crowd at a nighttime outdoor event, with some people taking photos and holding signs related to women's rights.

Mística, one of the most well-known and respected muxes in the community.

Group of people celebrating at a night festival, holding a colorful sign that reads 'CDMX MUXES CONTINGENTE,' with many smiling and making peace signs.

Red de Mujeres Lesbianas y Sexodisidentes del Istmo (Network of Lesbian Women and Sex Dissidents of the Isthmus), a local collective advocating for social and reproductive justice.

People celebrating at night, wearing traditional Mexican embroidered clothing and accessories, including a man with a cowboy hat and glasses. They are smiling, some making gestures with their hands, likely at a cultural event or festival.

Last year’s mayordomo which literally translates to “butler” (middle), is the person responsible for organizing and financing major elements of the celebration, including the venue and performers.

A person dressed in a bright yellow gown with puffed sleeves and tulle skirt stands among seated guests at a nighttime outdoor event. The crowd is wearing casual and traditional clothing, and there are tables with food and drinks. The setting includes a metal framework overhead and trees in the background, with a lively atmosphere.

La Vela serves as a gateway for self-expression. While most attendees choose traditional attire, others embrace extravagant costumes or dress up in drag.

Woman dressed in a revealing, jeweled costume with a crown made of spikes, walking on a runway at night while surrounded by spectators taking photos.

A person in a blue dress with a high slit, wearing high-heeled shoes, dancing at a cultural event during nighttime, with other people in colorful traditional attire in the background.

A person dressed in an elaborate blue and white costume with detailed makeup, feathers, and rhinestones, resembling a fantasy or theatrical character.

Performer in elaborate black and silver costume with large silver hat at night

A person dressed in elaborate drag costume with a large floral headdress, face painted, wearing jewelry, fishnet stockings, and holding a flower bouquet, at a nighttime event with other people around.

A woman dressed in a flowing, turquoise sari with gold jewelry, standing in front of a large speaker system, with her long braids adorned with white flowers.

Terry O’Neill’s Stars at Fotografiska

New York, NY 2023

An older woman in a white suit and pink hat smiling and pointing at a large framed photograph of a woman lounging by a pool during sunset, with newspapers scattered on the ground and on the table in the photograph.

A person wearing a wide-brimmed hat looking at a portrait of a woman's face in a gallery.

On June 1, 2023, Fotografiska opened an exhibition celebrating Terry O’Neill’s 50-year photographic career, titled Stars. His ex-wife, Faye Dunaway, attended the event and posed in front of O’Neill’s iconic portrait of her taken the morning after she won the Oscar for her role in the 1976 film Network.

A guest admiring another photo of Faye Dunaway.

Two men in formal attire sitting on director's chairs in front of a red backdrop with the words "Stars and still" and a signature. They are smiling and appear to be at a book signing or event.

People arrived in their best Hollywood-inspired attire.

Person taking a photo of a framed photograph of a woman bending forward on a beach with a stick, while standing in an art gallery with other framed photos on the wall.

A guest taking photo of Audrey Hepburn playing cricket.

Two women look at a large photo book open to pages showcasing pictures of a woman with blonde hair and a woman with short hair holding a guitar, while drinking glasses of wine.

Guests leafing through a Terry O’Neill photo book.

O’Shae Sibley Vigil

Brooklyn, NY 2023

People gathered at a memorial site at a gas station, with flowers and signs, likely protesting or showing solidarity after an event. The gas station sign shows fuel prices.

On July 29, 2023, 28-year-old dancer O’Shae Sibley was fatally stabbed after voguing to Beyoncé at a Mobil gas station in Midwood, Brooklyn. Seventeen-year-old high-school student Dmitriy Popov was arrested and charged with second-degree murder as a hate crime. The photo series from the protest was acquired and published by Hyperallergic in the article “O’Shae Sibley Vigil Shows a Community Fighting for Justice.”

A diverse group of people gathered at a protest, with a woman speaking into a megaphone, holding a poster of a young black man, and others holding signs. A gas station sign displays fuel prices in the background.

Community organizer Qween Jean opened the memorial with an impassioned speech.

A group of people protesting at a gathering, some holding signs, with a gas station in the background displaying fuel prices, and some individuals embracing or talking.

On the evening of Friday, August 4, members of the LGBTQIA+ community gathered at the gas station for an emergency memorial and protest action. The event was organized by Qween Jean of Black Trans Liberation; the LGBTQ+ Center Destination Tomorrow; community-service organization Ballroom We Care Inc.; #HouseLivesMatter; and The NEW Pride Agenda, with support from Caribbean Equality Project, G.L.I.T.S., and the NYC Anti-Violence Project.

A memorial with flowers, including sunflowers and white blooms, placed in front of a sketch of a man's face on a white poster board, with people nearby and a water bottle in the background.

A young woman standing on a utility pole holding a poster of a man with glasses and a cap, during a crowded protest or demonstration.

A woman with long, braided hair wearing a large earring with a black-and-white photo of a woman's face, participating in a crowd event.

The evening culminated in an impromptu voguing ball that transformed into a street protest, concluding at the Kings Highway train station around 10 p.m.

A woman wearing a pink sports outfit and Nike shoes is dancing on a city street at night. She is surrounded by a crowd of people, some taking photos or videos, with dark, cloudy sky overhead and tall buildings in the background.

A crowded city street protest with a police SUV, diverse group of protesters, and a message written in chalk on the pavement that says, 'WE WANT TO STOP DANCING'.

A shirtless person holding a large rainbow pride flag at a nighttime gathering or protest, surrounded by diverse people.

Video Work

2025

In early 2025 I began producing, directing, and filming a short-form documentary series titled Killas Confessions. The project aims to create social-media-focused content highlighting creative individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community and the moments that define them. The first six episodes of the series have accumulated over 500,000 views on Instagram alone.

March 2, 2024, New York, NY

On the Global Day of Action for Palestine, I filmed and interviewed participants at Washington Square Park to learn what brought them there. Interviewed, filmed, and edited by me.

June 24, 2022, New York, NY

Shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which ended the federal constitutional right to abortion, people took to the streets of New York City to express their outrage. Interviewed, filmed, and edited by me.