Derry's LGBTQ+ community have been showcased in a visual exhibition as part of the Gasyard Féile.
'Equal Spaces' is an LGBTQ+ Photographic Exhibition curated by Oliver Matthew Grant with photographic contributions from Megan Doherty Photography, Audrey Gillespie, Tom Nicholl & Shots By Oliver.
Oliver spoke to MyDerry about why this exhibition was important. He said: "As a trans man myself I saw there was no one shining a light on the LGBTQ+ Community of Derry which led me to the idea of creating this exhibition alongside the Gasyard Féile.
"My usual job role would be a photographer specialising in the 'events sector'. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic we were left having to look for other sources of work to keep ourselves afloat.
"I was thrilled to be able to do this exhibition with the Gasyard Féile. When the exhibition came together I felt proud.
"Proud to see some many lovely faces and people from all parts of the LGBTQIA+ Community."
There were some worries about the exhibition, but worries soon drifted away once the exhibition was up. Oliver said: "S ome people were hesitant about potential backlash or vandalised images.
"If I am being honest I had worried about this myself but those concerns gave me an even stronger drive to stop that stigma which unfortunately we are still dealing with.
"I popped down briefly a few days after the exhibition was displayed and I overheard conversations from people complimenting the individuals and how lovely it was to see an exhibition involving the LGBTQ+ community of the city."
Oliver had a message of thanks to those who took part in the exhibition. He said: " Thank you all so much for being involved in an exhibition that hit a personal side for me
"Derry can be a really supportive place for individuals like myself and the rest of the LGBTQ+ community."
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