The LGBT+ community in Hull are being invited to contribute towards Pride in Hull by sending in photographs for an exhibition which celebrates the 2017 theme – Through the Decades.
The exhibition, A Moment in Time, is one of many events Pride in Hull, in partnership with Hull UK City of Culture 2017, have planned to take the community on a journey exploring how life has changed for the LGBT+ community in Hull.
It will look at life before the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967 and highlight what has changed in the 50 years since, with opportunities to get involved for all.
Emma Wilkinson, founding trustee and curator for Pride In Hull, said: “This year is such a special year for everyone in Hull due to our city being the UK City of Culture. However, it’s extra special for Pride as we have the honour of being named the first ever UK Pride too. We knew we had to make this year’s event bigger than ever and, most importantly, more inclusive than ever.
“We have always been a family friendly event, but this year we want people to throw all of their preconceived ideas about who Pride is for out of the window. We are planning a full programme of events all feeding into our theme of ‘Through the Decades’, that will offer something for everyone, regardless of their age, gender or sexuality.”
The annual Pride celebration has been expanded for 2017 with a broad range of cultural activities taking place in the week after the main stage event on 22 July, including a film festival and a photography exhibition.
The ‘Through the Decades’ theme is the unifying thread that runs through every event and will be felt not only in the range of activities on offer, but through the Pride parade that will feature LGBT+ people from all sections of the community, and onto the Pride main stage itself where the acts performing will also be a reflection of diversity through the decades.
Emma said: “The ‘A Moment in Time’ photography exhibition is the essence of our ‘through the decades’ theme. We’re asking people of all ages to send us photographs to tell the story of LGBT life in Hull. That could be a photograph of you and your partner before the decriminalisation of homosexuality 50 years ago, you fighting for equality in a Pride parade, a special moment on a big night out or a picture of you and your friends attending your prom last year.
“We want to represent the whole spectrum of LGBT+ diversity and show how life has changed in Hull. We want to show the dark and the light – along with celebrating the huge steps forward in society, we won’t shy away from the difficult topics that have troubled our community either. We’re hoping for that very special, unique viewpoint that the people of Hull always have to offer”.
Martin Green, CEO and Director of Hull 2017, added: “The exhibition will reflect 50 years of change in attitudes and lifestyle told through the eyes of the LGBT+ community. It is a fantastic opportunity to express and reflect and be part of what promises to be a spectacular celebration for all.”
The A Moment in Time photography exhibition will be on display at Pride in Hull itself before touring a number of Hull venues in the following week. More details will be released nearer the date, but those who wish to submit photographs for inclusion are asked to email them to amomentintime@prideinhull.co.uk by 31 May, along with a summary of what the image shows and who it should be credited to (if you would prefer to remain anonymous, please state this).
Emma continued: “This exhibition isn’t about showcasing great photography, it’s about sharing honest snapshots of LGBT life in the city – moments that have made us laugh and moments that have made us cry – those moments that have made us who we are.”
For more information about Pride in Hull, visit www.prideinhull.co.uk, follow us on Twitter (@PrideInHull) or Facebook (/PrideInHull) and sign up to our mailing list to ensure you get all of the latest news as soon as it’s announced!
