16:10, 15 September 2021
Words by Smiley Team, Staff Writer, London
An exhibition showcasing the winners of the All Out LGBT+ Photo Award 2021 is on show until 30 September in Liverpool. The striking and beautiful images portray diversity in the LGBT+ community, at a takeover of the third floor of organic cosmetics retailer Lush.
The winning photos on display portray the theme: “Together: Resisting, Supporting, Healing!” as selected by an international jury of photographers from over 1,800 photos taken by more than 380 photographers from over 60 countries. Each image captures the incredible range of emotional stories and creativity in LGBT+ communities.
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“The images are a testament to both the strength and the vulnerability of global LGBT+ communities,” said All Out’s executive director Matt Beard. “They provide an incredibly diverse and moving insight into LGBT+ lives from across the world.”
Among the runners-up, Mike Kear was excited to have their photography recognised, saying: “Exhibiting the photos in Liverpool at Lush is a fabulous opportunity to celebrate queer life in all its glory and diversity to the wider world, I’m honoured to be a part of that.”
The exhibition comes along with a city-wide initiative to beat homophobia in Liverpool. After a rise in homophobic violent in the city’s centre, the city council approached arts and social justice organisation Homotopia and LCR Pride Foundation to organise a creative, community-driven initiative.
Sharing the exhibition space, Homotopia will showcase additional work by local photographers to promote their Visible and Safe campaign for LGBTQIA people in Liverpool.
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To beat discrimination in the long-term, local LGBT+ people have helped design a two-year strategy involving public queer art, community building and training for venues and transport providers, funded by Liverpool City Council.
Find the All Out LGBT+ photo exhibition at Lush Liverpool Spa on Monday to Saturday, 10am to 5pm and Sunday, 11am to 5pm. It's free entry and no bookings are required.
Learn more about All Out at allout.org.
