In Sync - Choreographed Belonging

Photographing the Subversive Sirens meant stepping into a world of sequins, breath control, and radical joy. What began as a “doable dream” for a handful of adult beginners has become a bold, synchronized statement about queer visibility, body positivity, and belonging in spaces that haven’t always felt inclusive. Between laughter-filled practices and moments of quiet focus underwater, these women are redefining who gets to be seen as an athlete — and doing it with style, strength, and a Prince soundtrack.

Five diverse women in black swimsuits standing in a locker room by turquoise tiled walls.

A woman standing in front of a tiled wall, wearing a black swimsuit and flip-flops, with her arms at her sides.

A woman in a black swimsuit stands in a swimming pool area with light blue tiled walls and gray tiled floor.

A woman in a black swimsuit stands barefoot on a tiled floor against a teal tiled wall, looking at the camera with a neutral expression.

A woman standing in front of a tiled wall, wearing a black swimsuit and flip-flops, with her hand on her hip.

A woman standing in a tiled room, wearing a black swimsuit and purple flip-flops, with one hand on her hip, looking at the camera.

A woman with curly hair wearing a black swimsuit and teal flip-flops standing in front of a light blue tiled wall.

Indoor swimming pool with a swimmer diving or jumping into the water, starting a swim. Pool lanes are marked with black lines, and orange and black triangular flags hang above. Starting blocks numbered 4 and 5 are at the edge of the pool.

Four women in swimsuits swimming underwater in a pool.

Swimmer in black swimsuit diving into a swimming pool with lane markers.

Swimmers practicing synchronized swimming in a swimming pool, submerged underwater with swimmers wearing black swimsuits and white swim caps.

Two swimmers in a swimming pool practicing flip turns during a swim meet, with lane lines and orange and black pennant banners hanging above the pool.

Multiple swimmers practicing synchronized swimming in a pool, wearing black swimsuits and white caps, with some swimmers submerged and others with arms raised.

Person swimming underwater in a bright blue pool

Four synchronized swimmers upside down in a swimming pool, their legs and feet above the water surface, practicing a routine.

Woman in a black swimsuit celebrating as she emerges from the pool with water splashing around her, indoor swimming pool setting.