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The 15th annual Loudest Whispers exhibition is part of the nationwide LGBT+ History Month program. Backed by forum+, the Rainbow Network, Camden Giving, and Westminster University, the exhibition highlights the talents of various LGBTQ+ artists, allies, and local creators, aiming to inspire dialogue and promote a supportive environment for mental health awareness.

LGBT+ History Month: Activism and Social Change

This year’s theme for LGBT+ History Month focuses on Activism and Social Change. It explores how protest movements throughout the decades are connected to the historical challenges faced by the LGBT community. While significant progress has been made over the years, true equality for our queer community is still not realised, and disparities continue to exist. Indeed, attempts to reverse these advances by an emergent and increasingly powerful far-right pose a significant and imminent threat to our community.

Loudest Whispers for LGBT+ History Month: Activism and Social Change (image supplied)

The 2025 LOUDEST WHISPERS exhibition

Loudest Whispers offers a historical perspective on social change, featuring 48 artists with diverse interpretations of the theme. Highlights include Simon Croft’s exploration of historical LGBTQ archiving, Lucas Blackwood’s installation that examines tropes and LGBT subtexts in English literature, and celebrations of LGBTQ+ activists such as Bette Bourne, Transformer, and Scarlet Cannon. Additionally, Richard Kaby presents a portrait of trans wrestlers, while Jill Rock showcases LGBT-coloured driftwood. The NHS Trust’s Rainbow Network will also unveil staff slogans printed on T-shirts as part of the exhibition.

The exhibition features an interactive invitation for visitors to create gender signs and symbols using stones. This year’s alcove installation showcases an archival image from 1987 by Jennie Lazenby, depicting a Stop the Clause march. The photo includes notable figures such as politician Chris Smith, activist Peter Tatchell, actor Michael Cashman, and disabled activists. Additionally, the exhibition highlights artwork by staff members Anita Markopoulos and Simon Richardson, along with the participation of students from the University of Westminster.

Loudest Whispers has featured 48 artists this year, including professional and self-taught outsider artists. This unique platform highlights our queer community’s vibrant and diverse artistic expressions. The exhibition also addresses the critical intersections between art, mental health, and our queer experience, while aiming to break down stigmas, promote understanding, and encourage conversations about mental well-being.

A portion of the artwork sales is donated to the North London NHS Foundation Trust, a charitable foundation that raises funds for projects benefiting both staff and service users. 

The exhibition will launch on Friday, 7 February 2025, from 6 to 8 pm.

The launch event will feature keynote speeches by the Mayor of Camden, Samata Khatoon, and the Trust’s Chief Operating Officer, Jess Lievsely. Additionally, musical performances will be provided by James Simpson, Marisa Martinez, and Sarah Vista. Madam Crumpet will also choreograph the renowned catwalk fashion show.

The exhibition will be displayed from 10 February to 16 May 2025 at the Conference Centre Gallery, St Pancras Hospital, St Pancras Way, London NW1 0PE. Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

Screening on Sat, 22 February, of Jean Genet’s classic short film UN CHANT D’AMOUR (1950) followed by discussion. 1:15 pm – 4:45 pm.

Often described as the most famous gay short in European history. This will be preceded by a gallery talk by Curator Manager Peter Herbert based on selected gallery artworks on display.

After the screening, a discussion, chaired by Professor Pippa Catterall, includes panellists Sarah Cooper, Professor of Film Studies King’s College, Sarah Jane Baker from the Trans Prisoners Alliance reflecting on queer love in contemporary British prisons, Arthur Lugan giving a filmmaker’s perspective and Roisin Cockerill providing the modern view of a queer student.  The event is 18+ recommended. Light refreshments will be available.

3rd LGBT+ Short Films Festival on Saturday, 5 April.

A collaboration between The Arts Project / Loudest Whispers and film course students from the University of Westminster.

Screening of GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 on Saturday, 3 May.

The screening will be followed by a discussion of gender representation by Professor Pippa Catterall and Michael Bolstridge.  

Artists showcasing new work at the Loudest Whispers exhibition

LEONIE ABRAHAMSON, FRANCESCA ALAIMO, SARAH JANE BAKER, JENNIE LAZENBY / ANN MARIE BENJAMIN, LUCAS BLACKWOOD, MICHAEL BOLSTRIDGE, DEX BRUCH, WENDY CALDON, CHRISTINE CAMP, SIMON CROFT, MICHELE MARTINOLI, CJ CROSLAND, RACHEL MARQUISSA DARQ, MARIUS ELS, BOL MARJORAM, DAVID FRANCIS, ANN FROGGATT, JAIME FREESTONE, PETER GARRARD, JOSE GOMEZ, RAINBOW NETWORK, JAIRO ZALDUA/ NICOLA GREEN, MANEL GUELL, TELIGAMA GUNASEKERA, MARION HACK, PETER HERBERT, MIA HUNTER EVANS, PAWEL JASKULSKI,  RICHARD KABY, RICKY KEMP, SUE KREITZMAN, FRANCO LIPPI, ANITA MAKROPOULOU, MARISA MARTINEZ, EVA MEGIAS, JILL ROCK, SIMON RICHARDSON, LEVI OCEAN, ANTONIETTE PHAIR, ALEXANDRE SANTA CRUZ, NATALIE SOMMER, ELLIOT THYGESEN, DAN UPSON, NATALIE WEBB, EMMA WHITE, TERENCE WILDE, WOLFGANG WOERNER,  ZIJIN ZENG.

All images supplied.

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