Local photographer Chris Jepson launched the The Identity Project‘s first Zine – the Brighton & Hove Edition – at the queer-run Ironworks Studios (home of Brighton & Hove Pride) just before Christmas with mulled wine. All the zines have been despatched to the Kickstarter backers and Chris has also produced a limited edition A2 poster that features everyone in the zine as a postage stamp. You can buy your copy of the zine and poster through his web shop HERE.
To coincide with LGBTQ+ History Month in February 2023, Chris has been offered not one but two exhibition spaces in Brighton & Hove and he is asking for help – through Kickstarter – to raise funds to cover the costs of printing and producing the exhibitions and launch events. The images and text already exist so everything is ready to go, and this will be the first time the whole Brighton & Hove collection of 84 portraits will be exhibited together.
The initial budget of £1,500 will allow the first exhibition to go ahead. Additional funding via a stretch goal will contribute to the second exhibition.
Chris Jepson said: “The point of The Identity Project was always to give visibility to marginalised LGBTQ+ people while promoting a diverse and inclusive community, and selections have also been exhibited in Paris at Espace Canopy (link here) and in London’s Barbican Centre (link here).
“For young queer and marginalised LGBTQ+ people there is nothing quite like seeing giant portraits of out and proud LGBTQ+ community members, so if you can help support the project, there is more information on the Kickstarter page here. If you can donate that would be fabulous, or just sharing on social media and getting the word out would be much appreciated.
“Thanking you in advance for anything you can do.”