A PHOTOGRAPHER has won a competition with the portrait of an LGBTQ+ activist who died last month.
Chris Jepson won the Modern Love category of the Great Exposure Photography competition with his photo, which captured the late George Montague – known as “the oldest gay in the village”, with his husband Somchai.
The image was taken during a session at the couple’s home while shooting their individual portraits for The Identity Project – a project by Mr Jepson which “explores what it means to be a member of the community LGBTQ+ today”.
The Brighton photographer said he was ‘delighted’ to be one of the winners of the competition and said: ‘I think my portrait of an intergenerational LGBT couple epitomizes the Modern Love category and proves that it is not never too late to find ‘the one'”.
Mr Jepson’s winning image, along with 39 other photos, will be displayed at Heathrow Airport as part of a campaign to celebrate the UK’s cultural diversity and innovative and welcoming spirit.
He said: “In a world where homosexuality is still illegal in over 70 countries, having this smiling and happy LGBT couple welcoming travelers to London’s Heathrow Airport highlights the diversity and equality of our citizens and the welcome we offer to all.”
Mr Montague made regular appearances at the Brighton and Hove Pride Parade, often in a bright rainbow colored wheelchair and carrying a banner proclaiming he was the ‘oldest gay in the village’ “.
Tributes poured in after his death last month, with Pride organizers describing him as a “tireless activist”.
A Brighton and Hove Pride spokesperson said: ‘George has been an important part of our community parade for so many years and it really won’t be quite the same without him.
“We will definitely wave the rainbow flag for him and not forget him.”
Speaking to The Argus in 2013, Mr Montague said he was grateful to live long enough to see society become tolerant of LGBTQ+ people.
“I spent my early years being ashamed of being gay and afraid of being found out and as the climate has changed now I feel like shouting it from the rooftops,” he said. declared.
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Source: www.theargus.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-04-04 15:05:32
