The stereotype of the feline-loving lesbian is so well-trodden that it’s been the subject of countless queer memes and was even the subject of a 2019 exhibition (yes, we’re not kidding).
There’s a reason for this: cats have long been associated with witches, spinsters and so-called ‘deviants’, just like lesbians were. In order to reclaim this stereotype, dykes and sapphics throughout history reappropriated the cat symbol in feminist and queer zines and posters.
So, while you’re still likely to encounter dykes on Lex with a happy feline family, cats aren’t the lesbian community’s only furry friends. It seems like every other sapphic couple has adopted a puppy and can be found walking them around the streets of East London and Williamsburg.
If you’re looking for proof of this phenomenon, look no further than Dogs and their Dykes: a portrait series and Instagram account from creative director Mair Howells and photographer Nessie Appleton Smith (who also happen to be an IRL couple).
Inspired by a 1980s anthology of lesbians and their pets, the duo have lensed gorgeous family portraits of sapphics snuggled up with their pooches on sofas, beds, canal boats and around their neighbourhoods. Yep, it’s as adorable as it sounds.
Below, we catch up with Howells and Appleton Smith to discuss family pets, unconditional love and the most sapphic breed of dog.
Hi! Or should I say “woof”? Could you introduce yourselves to our readers?
Dogs and their Dykes are Mair Howells, creative director, and Nessie Appleton Smith, photographer. We are a South London-based couple who met three years ago. United by our shared passion for documentary-style visuals, we focus on capturing the essence of queer culture through our work.
Where did the idea for Dogs and their Dykes come from?
As a couple, we’ve always wanted to collaborate on a project, and this felt like the perfect opportunity. Mair, a creative director, came across Cats and Their Dykes – an anthology from the ’80s – while researching references, and was immediately inspired. Nessie, a photographer, with a focus on film portraits and a love for documentary-style photography, saw the potential too, drawing on her experience from her previous series, School’s Out. Together, we knew this was the ideal way to combine our passions.
“Dogs are a part of the family, they love you unconditionally much like your queer chosen family”
Does anyone involved in this project have their own dogs? Tell us more!
Mair has two family dogs: Flo and Debbie. Flo, a 12-year-old Jack Russell, was Mair’s first dog, a result of years of pleading with her mum. Mair has “Flo” tattooed on her leg!
Two years ago, Mair got Debbie, a Patterdale x Jack Russell. She’s cheeky and incredibly loveable, and for some reason, she loves sitting on your shoulder like a parrot. You can actually see Mair with Debbie on the Dykes with their Dogs page, as they were the test shoot for the project.
Nessie grew up with Jack Russells, which became one of the things we bonded over. Her family now has Pam, a Whippet. Pam is calm and quiet, very different from Jack Russells, but she’s just as loving and gentle with everyone she meets.
Why are dogs such allies to the queer community?
Dogs are a part of the family, they love you unconditionally much like your queer chosen family.
What do you hope people can take away from this project?
We want people to feel apart of the series, it’s for the queer community. The project exists because of our love for dogs and dykes.
And, finally, what’s the most sapphic breed of dog?
Golden Retriever.
Follow Dogs and their Dykes on Instagram.
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