Lesbians on Top - Photo Series

Lesbians on Top is an ongoing Chicago-based photo series where Colleen documents and celebrates the stories of lesbians through intimate portraits and personal narratives. She independently manages every aspect of the project—from coordinating photoshoots and conducting interviews to curating and sharing each feature on her website and Instagram @_Giantess. Through this work, Colleen creates a safe, inclusive space that honors the depth, diversity, and everyday impact of lesbians across the city, while inviting community members to participate or nominate others whose stories deserve recognition.

This photo series is dedicated to photographing women and exploring their relationships to anger and rage. The project stemmed from Colleen’s own experience growing up with little conversation around these emotions, which often left her feeling negative or ashamed about expressing anger. Through this work, she aims to create space for women to reflect on, validate, and reclaim the full spectrum of their emotional experiences.

Laughs on 25th was a three-part LGBTQ+ comedy showcase spotlighting some of the most talented queer comedians in Chicago. Colleen served as the organizer, host, and event manager, overseeing every detail—from coordinating with comedians and securing the venue to managing logistics and marketing efforts. Presented in collaboration with Virgin Hotel, the series provided a dynamic and supportive platform where the LGBTQ+ community could gather, celebrate diversity, and enjoy an evening of laughter. Through Laughs on 25th, Colleen helped elevate queer talent while fostering unity, visibility, and a memorable experience for both performers and attendees.

The LGBTQ+ Photography Panel was created to highlight some of Chicago’s top queer photographers and offer them a platform to share their work and experiences. Colleen organized, promoted, and hosted the event, ensuring an engaging and impactful experience for both the photographers and the audience. Presented in partnership with Dorothy's Downstairs, the panel showcased exceptional queer talent while fostering meaningful conversations about the realities of working as LGBTQ+ artists.

Chicago Love Chronicles is an initiative designed to foster community connection and open conversations around love, dating, self-love, and desire within Chicago. Recognizing how rarely individuals get to discuss the complexities of modern relationships, the project offers a space for people to share their stories—anonymously or openly—about dating, love, self-discovery, and the emotional landscape of relationships. The goal is to amplify the diverse experiences of Chicagoans while encouraging understanding, vulnerability, and collective growth.

Colleen organized a benefit concert to support the people of Ukraine, overseeing artist coordination, event photography, and hosting duties. The event, #Whatchuneverdo, raised awareness and funds for Rescue.org and featured performances by Frank Heaney, Evyn, Stevie Thompson, and Rich Robbins. Colleen aimed to create an atmosphere of unity and meaningful dialogue, and the concert received overwhelming community support—ultimately selling out and contributing to critical humanitarian aid efforts.