Alair Gomes was a significant figure in the Brazilian photography scene, particularly known for his homoerotic photography in Rio de Janeiro from the 1940s until his death in 1992.

Alair Gomes work became an inspiration for future generations of artists, and he is often remembered for his contributions to both art and social change. After his death in 1992, during a period when AIDS was still claiming many lives, the recognition of Gomes's work grew. His photographs are now celebrated for their artistic merit and their role in documenting the complexities of gay life in Brazil during a tumultuous time. Alair Gomes navigated a challenging landscape shaped by repression, stigma, and loss. His homoerotic images not only captured the beauty of male intimacy but also served as a testament to the resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community in Brazil, contributing to an endowment of activism and artistic expression that continues to inspire minorities. Today, Gomes's work is recognized not only for its artistic merit but also for its role in documenting and responding to a critical period in LGBTQIA+ History in Brazil. His photographs continue to inspire discussions around sexuality, identity, and the enduring struggle for acceptance and recognition.