In celebration of the International Day Against Homophobia on 17th May, HIV and sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) Cymru will be showcasing the work of a local young photographer at Swansea’s InfoNation centre.

The show, which opens to the public on Saturday 16th May and runs for one week, features a series of photographs highlighting homophobia in the community, with a particular focus on the difficulties faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people in coming out to their family and friends.

The 21-year-old photographer, Swansea-born Laura Condon, said: “I wanted to represent how coming out can cause feelings of shyness and isolation, and how hard it can be for LGBT people to reveal their sexuality, even to their loved ones. I worked closely with THT Cymru’s LGBT youth group SYGNet to organise this exhibition, which I hope will give visitors an insight into some of the problems caused by homophobia.”

Gavin Mooney, Centre Manager for THT Cymru in Swansea, said: “THT has a long history of working with LGBT communities in Swansea and Cardiff, and we’re committed to tackling homophobia in the region, and across the UK. Laura is a promising local artist, and we’re delighted to be working with her to raise awareness of these issues.”

The exhibition will be shown at InfoNation, 47 The Kingsway, Swansea. It will run from Saturday 16th - Saturday 23rd May between 12.00pm and 5.30pm; admission is free. There will also be information available in Welsh and English explaining how homophobia can be tackled in schools, colleges and youth groups.

Notes

1.Terrence Higgins Trust is the UK’s leading HIV and sexual health charity with centres across England, Scotland and Wales. We’re here to provide information and advice about HIV and sexual health and offer a range of services including sexual health checks, counselling and support groups. We campaign for a world where people with HIV live healthy lives, free from prejudice and discrimination and we promote good sexual health as a right and reality for all. Terrence Higgins Trust relies on donations to deliver a wide range of services. To make a donation, visit http://www.tht.org.uk

2. The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia (IDAHO) was founded by Louis Georges Tin in 2005. Campaigns and initiatives take place on or around May 17th every year to combat prejudice against LGBT people. May 17th is chosen because it marks the anniversary of the day in 1990 when the World Health Organisation removed homosexuality from its list of mental diseases.

3. Info-Nation provides free and confidential information and support on a wide range of topics; Employment and Training, Education, Family and Relationships, Law and Rights, Housing, Environment, World, Europe, UK, and Wales, Money, Sport and Leisure, and Health. web: http://www.info-nation.org.uk

Source
Terrence Higgins Trust