Gender and sexuality identities of LGBT+

The Pitch

Problem statement

This is a photographic project for Pride week. An exploration of sexuality and gender identities through the medium of images. Within the LGBTQIA+ community there is a lot of hiding who they are, even once they are 'OUT' due to the general public's ignorance, many people are getting miss gendered, many people are getting mislabelled, insulted, bashed, bullied and ridiculed. This series of photos will be a peak into some of Bristol's identities, show casing to the world that everyone is human, that gender and sexuality is not rigid. That its not black and white and people don't fit into one box, no one shoe fits all.

Solution

Colours of Pride Project 2022 will be working closely with members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Bristol and photographing their image in an avant-garde fashion in order to display their image as part of a gallery ready for Pride week. Funding is needed for the purchase of materials for the photoshoots, printing of the canvases for the final gallery and also framing. The gallery space has not yet been organised, we are hopeful to secure a place within the next 2 weeks for the end of June ready for Pride week. Not only is it a positive impact for people of the LGBTQIA+ community to see themselves displayed in such a light, but also it helps stop prejudice from occurring.

Why are we best placed to deliver?

This idea had been thought of by myself when I was struggling to find my own label. Not even the labels within the LGBTQIA+ community fit all, let alone the labels that people with prejudice give. People should be allowed to be themselves without the need for labels, and be accepted for who they are. I want this project to be a positive impact to each person in the LGBTQIA+ community that sees it. But I want it to help stop prejudice and judgment. Together with my co-workers at Colours of Pride, we have the camera equipment and knowledge to take skilled photographs. We are able to connect with people in the local LGBTQIA+ community with ease and have a list of people already on board.

Focus Areas

Delivery plan

Budget breakdown

Beneficiaries

20 people

Expected impact

This project is aimed at all audiences, having a positive influence on the individuals represented in the images, promoting awareness and pride. But also aimed at people that do not understand the LGBTQIA+ community, and opening their eyes to the misconceptions that they have and prejudgements that they make about people. The images will hopefully educate people, but also make them stop and think about their own actions, their own labelling that they may do about someone. It's about breaking down fences to communication and perhaps allowing people to extend hands to one another with better understanding and respect. I hope that the images will be thought provoking and challenge already perceived images of sexuality and gender. I want change to be made in Bristol, I want Bristol to become more inclusive and accepting, but I believe that many have their eyes shut. So I want to give them a chance to see.