Polaroid Photographs Capture Queer Life in Houston Throuple’s Journey
# The Hidden History of JAG: A Pioneering Throuple in LGBTQ+ History
The world of LGBTQ+ history is often punctuated by stories of individuals and movements that pushed against societal norms in pursuit of love, freedom, and equality. Among those lesser-known but remarkably documented relationships is that of JAG—a polyamorous throuple consisting of Jay Hollenburger, Arthur Slaughter, and Gary Grether. Spanning decades, their story is an intimate portrait of love, community, and defiant joy in the face of adversity.
## **A Love Story That Defied Convention**
Jay Hollenburger and Arthur Slaughter first met in the early 1960s at Rice University in Houston, Texas. Their relationship was unconventional from the start, and in 1970, when Gary Grether joined their bond, they embraced their unique dynamic with pride. To symbolize their union, they created a steel sign intertwining their initials—JAG—an emblem that would remain a lasting testament to their love.
Living together in Houston, JAG openly celebrated their status as a polyamorous gay family at a time when such openness was met with skepticism and danger. Friends and associates marveled at their boldness; as David Smith, a contemporary and former roommate, later recalled, “They just lived openly as a gay couple and presented that to the world to take it or leave it.”
## **A Photographic Legacy: The Polaroids of Jay Hollenburger**
Unlike many relationships hidden in the margins of history, the story of JAG is extensively documented. Hollenburger, a meticulous archivist of his own life, left behind nearly 20,000 Polaroids chronicling their experiences, relationships, and community. The photographs capture everything from lively social gatherings to everyday moments at home—evidence of a thriving, joyful queer existence.
The archival photos stretch from 1964 to 1991, offering a visual history of LGBTQ+ life in Houston at a time when visibility was fraught with risks. Moments from the legendary Gamma Mu “fly-in” parties, which gathered gay men from around the country, as well as local gatherings in their apartment, demonstrate the vibrant social landscape of the community.
Now, decades later, Hollenburger’s collection has found new life. After his passing in 2023, half of the photos—approximately 9,700 images—were acquired by rare book dealer Adam Schachter of Langdon Manor Books. Schachter will showcase this immense catalog of photographs at the 65th edition of the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair, set to take place in Manhattan from April 3 to 6.
## **Queer Joy and Unapologetic Living**
What makes JAG’s story profound isn’t just their place in LGBTQ+ history, but the way they embraced life on their own terms. Many of the photos in Hollenburger’s collection showcase moments of uninhibited joy, from rooftop poolside lounging to queer rodeo events. One standout image captures a red button-down shirt embroidered with the words “National Gay Rodeo Chaplain,” offering a fascinating glimpse into Houston’s lesser-known LGBTQ+ subcultures.
As historian Daylon Orr of Brooklyn-based rare bookseller Fugitive Materials pointed out, these kinds of materials help diversify archival collections. Fugitive Materials itself specializes in preserving underground and queer literature, shedding light on histories often excluded from mainstream narratives.
## **A Love Lost But Not Forgotten**
JAG’s beautiful story came to a painful conclusion in the early 1990s with the deaths of both Grether and Slaughter from AIDS-related complications. Hollenburger, the last surviving member of the trio, continued to preserve their legacy until his passing in 2023 at age 83. The three men are buried together in Houston, their final resting place a testament to the endurance of their bond.
## **The Enduring Significance of JAG’s Legacy**
The upcoming showcase at the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair marks a major moment for LGBTQ+ historical preservation. While mainstream narratives frequently overlook polyamorous and non-traditional relationships, the extensive JAG photo archive challenges us to rethink our understanding of queer history.
Perhaps more importantly, JAG’s legacy proves that love takes many forms, and that living proudly—even in the face of adversity—can itself be an act of resistance. Through their story, future generations can glimpse a snapshot of a time, a movement, and a trio of individuals who dared to love in their own way.
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The JAG collection will be exhibited at the New York International Antiquarian Book Fair at Manhattan’s Park Avenue Armory from April 3–6. For those interested in LGBTQ+ archival materials, the Brooklyn-based Fugitive Materials will also have a booth showcasing rare documents and ephemera tied to queer history.