SAM HARRIS
22 Scene
that movements for equality and justice are more effective when they learn from one another and collaborate.” The photo exhibition is aimed at giving “us an opportunity to see and also get scrutinised by the unblinking eyes of the subjects”, exploring ideas around age, ethnic background, gender identity, activism, trans lives and the Brighton & Hove & wider LGBTQ+ community.
Celebrating LGBTQ+ History Month in Brighton & Hove
Taking part in the exhibition are people from all walks of LGBTQ+ life, from 17 to 87 years old; from teenage musician to elder statesman. The inclusive photos are described as “a lighthearted examination of our diversity, and who we are in a changing world”.
With the LGBTQ+ History Month 2021 theme being Body, Mind, Spirit, Brighton & Hove City Council LGBTQ+ Workers’ Forum has zeroed in on intersectionality and the importance of platforming other voices for its annual celebration of the event, which runs throughout February
“I grew up not knowing who I was, not seeing black faces or different races, no gay people.”
) The two-pronged approach sees locally-
based life coach Sam Adams bringing to life seven statements or single words that especially resonate with her in a series of 90-second online shorts, alongside a portrait exhibition entitled ‘Who do YOU think we are?’.
The Forum says: “Selective documenting of history and culture has been a pervasive issue
“For decades I wasn’t really me, life didn’t look how I want it to be. But how can it when your lens is blurred when you smear it with lies and other people’s words” “There is a lot to be learned from other parallel movements striving for equality. For many people, intersectionality is an appreciation
Segueing into the importance of the short films, the Forum says: “We remind ourselves that without our own writers writing our own stories, we get written out of history completely and Sam asks us directly this
MICHAEL JAMES
SEA SHARP. PIC CRED: SIMON PEPPER PHOTOGRAPHY
The exhibition will feature 33 portraits of LGBTQ+ people, which it is hoped will be framed in the main windows of Jubilee Library. However, if that is not possible due to the ongoing pandemic restrictions, a portrait will be released each day on the LGBTQ+ Workers’ Forum social media @LGBTQiWF.
for centuries, and the stories of LGBTQ+ people of colour are notably underrepresented; not least within the LGBTQ+ community itself. To tell the story of LGBTQ+ activism, our triumphs and our tragedies, we should seek out and share these stories, as there is empowerment in representation.
The Forum continues: “Asking people to think about who they think WE are? Raising awareness and emphasising that every single person has the right to experience any gender identity in freedom and that the public space belongs to all citizens. Gently highlighting the influences of our infinite variety of intersecting communities on each and every one of us.”
