London-based artist and photographer Heather Glazzard has a current exhibition in Jubilee Library as a part of Brighton and Hove’s #WeStandTogether campaign. The campaign is a “call to action” to stand against discrimination as the city celebrates Pride (Pride Brighton + Hove). This brings Heather’s ongoing series ‘Queer Letters’ to Brighton, which invites members of the LGBTQAI+ community to have their portrait displayed alongside handwritten letters written to themselves. These letters are an intimate exploration of their personal experiences with gender and sexual identity.
The letters answer questions such as: “What does being queer mean to you?”, “Do you feel you have seen representation for yourself?” and “Any advice you would give to yourself with regards to coming out?”. The exhibition ultimately brings personal stories together as a collective, highlighting openness and defiance, as well as shattering stereotyped misconceptions.
Glazzard explains that her artistic process is a medium through which she is able to explore her own sexuality and gender. The artist also emphasises the importance in her decision not to retouch the photographs in any way, reinstating the authenticity of the project as a whole.
In one letter, a participant wrote about the strength they have now found in their queer community:
Finding my community has saved my life.
I never thought I would find people and spaces in which my identity is understood and celebrated. My queer community restored my faith in humanity, by showing me how much people can care for each other.
Another participant wrote words of encouragement to her past self:
If you could see the woman you will become, you wouldn’t believe it. You’ve stayed so strong and worked so hard to get out of that unaccepting life you lived, all the anger, restraint, and conditional, damaging love is gone. You are so free now.
Your life is yours only.
Queer Letters @ Jubilee Library, Friday 26th July – Sunday 4th August. Free. Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE
