No moment In the history of the LGBTI movement is too big or small to be documented.
But some stories still do not get told enough. And even when they are, they may not always be told in the voices of our communities, and in a way that respects our dignity and safety.
This is why in August 2023 ILGA World, launched an LGBTI photo and video contest with the support of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to make more of these images available to the world. We asked for photographers and video makers around the world to bring to life the power of human rights through images that were sourced in an ethical manner and can speak about self- and community affirmation, euphoria, despair, hope, and human rights advances or setbacks.
Over 50 image creators from 28 countries worldwide responded to our call: we thank them all for their wonderful contributions. Among them are the ten winners of the first ILGA World LGBTI photo and video contest: we are proud to announce them to the world today!
Below you will find images that go a long way in showing our communities' joy and strength, calling out injustices, and mobilising others in solidarity.
All the photos will be available for ILGA World, our funders and active partners to illustrate their projects under an Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) license.
Without further ado, here are...
...the winners of the first ILGA World LGBTI photo and video contest
Colours of courage: the LGBTI movement through the lens
creator: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee, Instagram: @chayaniti92
On June 4, 2023, Bangkok's streets transformed into a radiant tapestry of colours, marking a pivotal moment for the LGBTI movement. The 'Colors of Courage' collection captures this essence, with each image reflecting the community's overwhelming love, resilience, and unity. Amidst the jubilant celebrations and introspective moments, the parade's diversity stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the LGBTI community, inviting all to experience and share in this monumental day.
Kill the bill
creator: Angel Maxine Opoku, Instagram: @Angelmaxinetv
A picture depicting the cry for help, amplifying our voices and telling the world about the struggles of Queer Ghanaians / Africans during this time where there’s an Anti LGBTQ+ bill in the Ghanaian parliament seeking to criminalize all Queer Ghanaians / Africans.
Fighting for freedom and inclusion
creator: John Hyacinth, Instagram: @Kira_earl_la_posh_
The image description represents a warrior, advocate, activist and fighter for freedom and justice and freedom, having thorns around his head, sitting on the floor with marks of rainbows on his face - that of a warrior who seeks justice, peace and inclusion by lifting the rainbow flag up, crying for peace for the LGBTQI++ community.
Lade and Phina for Project Celebrating Queers
creator: Alexandra Obochi, Instagram: @curatedbyxandra
"Project Celebrating Queers began in 2021 as a way to highlight, celebrate and document queer and non-binary Nigerians living in Nigeria. A way of using my art to tell the tale of the LGBTQIA+ Nigerian community. The project responds to a circle of activism that is greatly needed in the scene as it goes on to expand the narrative and problems of the civil rights of sexual minorities and gender-diverse people in West Africa, most especially Nigeria. I wanted this project to explore the narrative of loving defiantly as a political stand against the unfair living condition of LGBT+ persons in Nigeria: it celebrates different forms of queer love, friendships and creating one’s own family outside of blood relations."
Mutant en devenir
creator: Oumaima Dermoumi, Instagram: @Six_neuf_trois
Mutant en devenir is a series of photographs that explore the themes of experimentation, self-image as seen by others, and mutation. A mutation towards an unknown at the physical level, but also at the psychological, social and family levels. Paul Preciado says: 'I prefer my new condition of monster to that of man or woman, because this condition is like a foot that steps into the void, pointing the way to another world', a sentence of inspiration and liberation. Liberation begins when we realise that we are not the only monsters on this Earth. When we're convinced that it doesn't matter if we're perceived as a monster, as long as it makes sense to us. As long as we feel we're evolving."
Out Moris : Lamour li la
creator's Instagram: @Out_moris
Love is here
#PressForPartnership
creator: NGO Fulcrum UA, Instagram: @fulcrumua
"NGO FULCRUM UA has created a social video to support the implementation of registered (civil) partnerships in Ukraine. The video reminds us of the restrictions on the rights and opportunities faced by unmarried couples, including same-sex couples. The problem becomes even more acute because of the full-scale war when one or both of the partners are at the frontline, risking their health and lives every day for the sake of Ukraine’s freedom. Same-sex couples in Ukraine currently do not have the right to joint property, inheritance of their partner's property by law, the right to access their loved ones in intensive care, the right to recognize and bury their loved ones, and the right not to testify against each other. We hear arguments that there is not the right time for the implementation of civil partnerships. In response, we ask: when will be the right time? When will be the right time for same-sex couples to have equal rights, just the same ordinary rights as everyone else has? Unfortunately, by the time the war is over, some of these LGBTI people will simply not live to see it, but will be killed by the enemy army. The fact that LGBTI people will have the opportunity to enter into an official registered partnership with their loved ones will not affect the rest of the population of Ukraine. Having the opportunity to enter into registered partnerships is fair, it's just a normal attitude toward LGBTI people, it's human values that our enemy is actively fighting against. But which we must support. We used different channels to spread the video: websites, social media and celebrities’ support. One of the best outcomes was the TikTok video which went viral and got more than 73 000 views. Also, the stories and posts by celebrities, opinion leaders, volunteers and veteran’s movements (Veteran HUB, Women's veteran movement), NGOs (KyivPride, Gender Stream, Nash Svit, Gender Z, Association of Women Lawyers Jurfem, Union of the LGBT military, veterans and volunteers) were successful as they have 10-200k followers in general. More than 65 thousand people watched the video on our YouTube channel alone. And it continues getting views. We conducted two stages of information campaign to promote this video in total and received about 979,000 views."
Your hands
creator: Iddah Akinyi, Instagram: @__iddah
"A place where I find solace in the warmth of love and acceptance"
Transcendence: Berlin's vibrant transgender people of color performance collective
creator: Trascendence Collective, Berlin
"Transcendence is a dynamic and inclusive group of performers based in Berlin, dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals of color. This passionate and talented collective weaves together diverse backgrounds, experiences, and artistic talents to create a powerful and unique platform for artistic expression and social change. Our performances are a mesmerising blend of storytelling, dance, music, and spoken word, designed to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and amplify the voices of marginalised communities. Transcendence embraces the vibrant and multicultural essence of Berlin, shining a spotlight on the intersectionality of our identities as transgender individuals and people of color. With a commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment, Transcendence strives to create a safe and welcoming space for both our performers and audiences alike. Our shows not only entertain but also educate, provoke thought, and inspire conversations around important issues like identity, inclusion, and social justice. Transcendence is not just a performance group; it's a movement that celebrates diversity, resilience, and the power of self-expression. Our presence in Berlin's vibrant arts scene is a testament to the city's progressive and inclusive spirit, making a significant impact on the journey toward a more inclusive and accepting world. In 2023 we shot a series of photos that portray our sense of chosen family and community."
Should any security concern arise from the use of the photos and videos, we invite creators or other interested parties to promptly inform us at media @ilga.org, and we will swiftly address the situation.