Outernet London is set to elevate the stories of transgender people from across the U.K. with a new photography exhibition.
“Trans Is Human,” created by trans-rights activists Jake and Hannah Graf MBE, will take over the venue’s large-scale screens on Nov. 17. The free installation will be soundtracked by Yungblud’s “Hello, Heaven, Hello” from the rocker’s recent U.K. chart-topping LP Idols.
The exhibition features portraits of 13 trans people from across the U.K., photographed by Mariano Vivanco. Each image will be accompanied by personal stories exploring themes of identity and resilience.
Among those highlighted will be Amanda, a refugee and the first Miss Trans Global Uganda; Sarah, who overcame sight loss to support LGBTQ+ people with disabilities while running marathons; and Leo, a speaker and life coach with dyskinetic cerebral palsy.
“The idea for ‘Trans Is Human’ came about following years and years of misinformation and the demonization of the U.K.’s trans community that left us almost entirely dehumanized,” said Jake and Hannah in a press release. “Working with Mariano to allow these very human people to soar was an absolute pleasure and thrill.”
They continued: “Now, at such a pivotal moment for the U.K. trans community, as we face the possible loss of many of our most basic human rights, ‘Trans Is Human’ is more vital than ever. We are supremely grateful to the Outernet team and Yungblud for elevating the campaign and helping to remind the world that trans people are human too.”
Yungblud added: “I’m honored that ‘Hello Heaven, Hello’ will be a part of this exhibition. ‘Trans Is Human’ is all about celebrating truth, identity and the beauty of being yourself, unapologetically. That’s something I’ve always tried to celebrate in everything I do. I’m buzzing to play even a small part in telling these powerful stories.”
Outernet London opened in late 2022, and the following year, was ranked the capital’s most visited attraction by Association of Leading Visitor Attractions, bringing in 6.25 million visitors before hitting its first anniversary. Located near Tottenham Court Road station, its four-story, 360-degree screen surface is the first of its kind in the U.K., while Outernet is also home to two live music venues: The Lower Third and HERE.
Scott Neal, Outernet Creative Director, Culture and Lifestyle said in a statement: “The work being done around trans and broader LGBTQ+ equality is far from over. A recent YouGov poll showed 84% of trans people in Britain feel unsafe in public spaces. ‘Trans Is Human’ showcases the humanity behind individual trans stories to highlight that gender identity is just a part of a person’s story.
“At Outernet, equality, fairness and safety are values we live by every single day,” he concluded. “We thank Hannah and Jake for creating this piece and we’re proud to display it for everyone.”
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‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.billboard.com ’
