Queer people have always been here, although throughout history our lives have often been obscured, erased or simply alluded to. This is particularly apparent when hunting for documentation of LGBTQ+ experiences – while there are important and essential treasures out there that have been preserved and are just waiting to be discovered, in most archives, museums and galleries, LGBTQ+ representation is severely lacking.
Thankfully, organisations like Queer Britain, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum, are on a mission to rectify that. As one of the UK’s oldest queer publications, GAY TIMES also has a vested interest in preserving the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people, too. So do some staunch LGBTQ+ allies: SKITTLES and Getty Images.
Together, SKITTLES, GAY TIMES, Getty Images and Queer Britain have an ambition to help develop and create the archives of tomorrow, shaping them into the dynamic and representative collections they ought to be.
Research by Getty Images’ VisualGPS INSIGHTS highlights that when images of queer people are used from Getty Image’s archive, they often rely on outdated stereotypes of LGBTQ+ people. For example, 30% of images used show gay men as flamboyant, while 29% show images of lesbians looking more masculine. Likewise, 29% of LGBTQ+ images used feature queer people carrying the rainbow flag. What’s clear, is that the photographs we often see depicting queer people don’t accurately represent the intersections and diverse spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities.
In order to diversify archives and photography collections, you need queer photographers documenting the vibrancy and dynamism of the LGBTQ+ community. For young people trying to break into arts, media or advertising, however, there are often insurmountable barriers.
Along with a lack of opportunities in the arts, media and advertising, expectations to do work for free and, later, minimal financial compensation precludes many from pursuing their dreams to become a photographer. Similarly, the cost of camera equipment, film development, computers and photography software continue to rise, leaving many unable to afford the essentials required to develop their skills and follow a career as a photographer.
It’s for these reasons that GAY TIMES, SKITTLES, Getty Images and Queer Britain want to help nurture the talent and ambitions of the next wave of queer photographers. Together, we are granting five bursaries to emerging photographers (UK residents only) who are passionate about the world of media, arts or advertising to help inspire and further their future careers.
Included in the bursaries are a bounty of opportunities. Successful applicants will be invited to a masterclass in London hosted by Getty Images and GAY TIMES where we’ll share our expertise and experience, as well as have a 1-1 mentoring session with a Getty Images photographer. GAY TIMES will likewise give successful applicants the opportunity to shoot editorial content with us, along with the chance to shoot at the GAY TIMES Honours, our prestigious awards ceremony which honours queer people and their allies who have had a profound impact on the LGBTQ+ community. Your photography will also be celebrated through our digital channels, which have a reach of 28 million around the world.
Additionally, photographers who are chosen to receive the bursaries will receive a portfolio review by Getty Images’ photography team as well as £1,000 grant, Fujifilm camera kit, a taste the rainbow SKITTLES package and a tour of Queer Britain.
Speaking about the launch of the bursaries, Joseph Galliano, CEO and co-founder of Queer Britain said:
“These Bursaries are hugely important as if we are going to support modern archiving and properly record our histories, we need to support emerging creators to help us do it. As it is, we are losing our heritage every day.”
Jacqueline Bourke, EMEA Director of Creative Insights, Getty Images said: “At Getty Images, we are a passionate champion of the representation of the LGBTQ+ community and truly understand the power of images to move the world. Our Visual GPS research has critically shown that increased representation impacts greater acceptance. When we choose to shine a light on the previously unseen, we are not only increasing visibility on history, but also challenging harmful, cliched visual stereotypes of the LGBTQ+ community in visuals moving forward.”
Victoria Gell, SKITTLES® Brand Director said: “SKITTLES® is passionate about advocating for the LGBTQ+ community, not just during Pride month, but year-round, and we’re excited to continue to use our platform to do our part in supporting the community. We launched our Recolour the Rainbow campaign last year, bringing colour and vibrancy to moments of Pride history, with the ambition to help fill gaps in the LGBTQ+ archive. We are thrilled to continue our partnership with GAY TIMES and Queer Britain, as well as connect with Getty Images, as we look to further unearth never before seen photography and pave the way for more diverse archives through our bursaries programme.”
To apply for this incredible opportunity, photographers are invited to submit their information and portfolios to GAY TIMES here.
Applications for the bursaries are open to emerging photographers who are UK residents. Terms apply. The deadline for applications is October 31st 2022.
Together, we have the opportunity to not only support the queer talent of the future but help fill the gaps in the archives of LGBTQ+ past while ensuring that the archives of tomorrow reflect the histories future generations need to see. Together, we can #RecolourTheRainbow, one story at a time.
Apply now via this link.
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