In the heart of Shropshire, a compelling exhibition is shedding light on the lives of the region’s older LGBTQ generations. Captured through the lens of celebrated photographer Ming de Nasty, this display is more than just a collection of photographs; it’s a narrative of change, resilience, and identity.
Capturing a Community’s Essence
The exhibition, which graces the halls of Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery, and Shrewsbury Library, offers a rare glimpse into the lives of LGBTQ individuals who have witnessed decades of cultural shifts. Ming de Nasty, in her poignant photographic journey, encapsulates not just faces but stories – stories of struggle, acceptance, and the evolution of LGBTQ culture. Her subjects, depicted with an undeniable confidence and self-awareness, challenge the notion that life dims after fifty. Instead, they stand as vibrant testaments to a life lived with authenticity.
A Partnership of Vision and History
This project is a collaboration between SAND – an organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of aging LGBTQ people in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin – and GRAIN, a Midlands-based photography group, supported by Arts Council England. The initiative goes beyond mere representation; it is a movement towards integration and understanding. Sal Hampson, the director of SAND, emphasizes the exhibition’s role in paving the way for a future where LGBTQ individuals are an integral part of the community fabric.
A Personal Journey of Visibility
Ming de Nasty, now 70, has been a beacon in the world of photography for over three decades. Her journey, marked by a personal struggle for acceptance in rural Britain, echoes in her work. Having left Shropshire in the 1980s due to the limited acceptance of her identity, de Nasty’s return is not just a homecoming but a statement – a declaration that the LGBTQ community, regardless of age, is vibrant and integral to the region’s tapestry.
Legacy and Wisdom: A Beacon for Future Generations
The exhibition, which will also feature at The Hive in Shrewsbury during the LGBT History Festival, is more than a showcase; it’s a conduit for wisdom from one generation to another. Ming de Nasty’s work serves as a bridge, connecting the experiences of older LGBTQ individuals with the younger generation, ensuring that their stories and struggles continue to enlighten and inspire.