4 minute read

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Romain Berger’s provocative photography to be exhibited at the Ledward Centre

) Provocative and kitsch are two of many ways that you can describe Romain Berger’s photography. Utilising elaborate set designs and vibrant lighting, Romain plays with stereotypes of the gay male community, contrasting public image with what happens in private: “The married man who sleeps with boys, the businessman drinking his whisky in front of a naked man, denouncing patriarchy,” he explains. “In my work, it is the man who becomes the object.”

Advertisement

Romain lives in Rennes, a city in the west of France. He studied film, however faced difficulty finding a job in filmmaking. He bought a camera and discovered a passion for photography, realising that he could capture the stories he wanted to tell in a single frame.

About his influences, Romain says that “Since I was a teenager, I was a big fan of photographer David Lachapelle’s images, without ever knowing that he would be one of my great inspirations for the rest of my career. I also love James Bidgood, who was a pioneer of homoeroticism and who unfortunately never managed to make a living from his work. It’s also a tribute to him that I’m working hard to make it happen and change people’s minds.”

After winning a competition in May 2021, Romain’s photos were shown at the famous Schwules Museum in Berlin, the world’s first museum dedicated to LGBTQ+ history. There is also a book, Life’s a Cabaret, a retrospective of his work between 2018 and 2022. His work is also published in the book SEX UTOPIA, an anthology of 70 artists from across the world.

The All You Need Is Love exhibition will be at the Ledward Centre, 14a Jubilee St, Brighton BN1 1GE from 5pm on Monday, May 15 until Wednesday, June 21. This is the first time Romain’s work will be exhibited in Brighton.

D For more info on his work, visit: www.romainberger-photography.com

Breaking Barriers: The Embassy Model

Supporting LGBTQ+ Staff in the Middle East/North Africa region

The Ledward Centre to host three Eurovision Watch Parties

This series of events aim to start a conversation with global organisations on the importance of safety for LGBTQ+ staff in the region.

READ MORE

Study finds two in five LGBTQ+ sports fans made to feel unwelcome when watching sport

The Ledward Centre is hosting watch parties for the Eurovision Semi Finals, the Eurovision Grand Final, and supporting Stand For Ukraine Brighton & Hove, which is a local community group created to support the Ukrainian community of Brighton & Hove and promote Ukrainian history and culture.

READ MORE

SPOTLIGHT ON: Brighton Fringe: from Dutch drag to Brighton Gay Men's Chorus

Nearly half of 1,000 people polled feel that the sporting world is less accepting and progressive than society in general when it comes to the LGBTQ+ community.

READ MORE

Research shows almost half of LGBTQ+ adults are estranged from their family

The data forms part of a new report by Just Like Us called Positive Futures.

READ MORE

READ MORE

Pride in Education to make a "powerful impact" when it returns this month

Shaun the Sheep animator to host model-making workshop at Brighton Fringe ahead of Martlets art trail

Amidst increasing hostility faced by the LGBTQ+ community worldwide, the sixth edition of the Pride in Education conference is set to make a "powerful impact" when it returns over Zoom on Saturday, May 20 from 9am.

READ MORE

Trans pupils could be denied admission to single-sex schools

Ahead of the Shaun by the Sea art trail later this year, fans of Shaun the Sheep can attend an exclusive workshop led by Shaun the Sheep creators Aardman on Tuesday, May 30.

READ MORE

Research shows majority of LGBTQ+ young adults wish LGBTQ+ education started in primary school or nursery

Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch and Education Secretary Gillian Keegan are reportedly considering issuing new guidance to single-sex schools in England saying that they aren't legally obliged to admit transgender pupils.

READ MORE

Nominations for National Diversity Awards now open

The majority (74%) of LGBTQ+ young adults believe children should learn about LGBTQ+ inclusion in primary school or nursery, according to new research by Just Like Us

READ MORE

BOOK REVIEW: 'Proud Pink Sky' by Redfern Jon Barrett

The Awards "celebrate the achievements of grassroots communities that tackle the issues in today’s society, providing them with recognition for their dedication and hard work".

READ MORE

Words by Eric Page.

READ MORE

National Youth Theatre releases rehearsal images of new production 'Bakkhai'

Full line up for FABULOSO at Brighton & Hove Pride announced

Bakkhai is a queer reimagining of the Ancient Greek classic.

READ MORE

Ugandans lead 'kill the gays' bill protest in London

Brash, beautiful and brilliant, Brighton & Hove Pride returns this August (Saturday, August 5 and Sunday, August 6) with a line up of diverse and inclusive talent for FABULOSO, the official twoday fundraising event for the Brighton Rainbow Fund, which supports LGBTQ+ groups and organisations within the local community.

READ MORE

The Sussex Beacon to be a major beneficiary off this year's Brighton Bear Weekend

Fifty LGBTQ+ campaigners and allies staged a noisy vigil outside the Ugandan High Commission in London last month, chanting “Museveni! Kill the bill” and “The world is watching! Kill the bill.”

READ MORE

Dying Matters Awareness Week at Brighton's Jubilee Library

Local HIV charity the Sussex Beacon will be a major beneficiary of funds raised from this year’s Brighton Bear Weekend (BBW), which is one of the biggest events on the community calendar that takes place this year from Thursday, July 6 to Sunday, July 9.

Join Brighton AIDS Memorial Project and Brighton & Hove LGBTQ+ Switchboard.

READ MORE

READ MORE

Report finds UK workplaces "letting down LGBTQ+ women

The report reveals how LGBTQ+ women are the most likely cohort to be living ‘paychequeto-paycheque’ (18%), are 10% less likely to be promoted than their male LGBTQ+ counterparts, and lack the most confidence in the workplace when it comes to asking for pay rises or promotions.

READ MORE

Work begins to improve lighting in Royal Pavilion Garden

Set up by LGBT Youth Scotland, the scheme provides schools and organisations with training to challenge prejudice and ensure that equality and diversity is at their core.

READ MORE

Brighton's Victoria Fountain returns to Old Steine Gardens

Upgrading the lighting will help people feel safer in the area, which has been identified as a place where anti-social behaviour often takes place.

READ MORE

Winners announced of European GRABBY Awards

The 32ft fountain, also known as the Dolphin Fountain, will now be re-assembled behind hoardings, which will ensure work can continue while the gardens play host to the Brighton Spiegeltent during the Brighton Fringe.

READ MORE

Storytelling course for TNBI people to launch at Ledward Centre

The Awards showcase and celebrate the talents of the gay adult entertainment industry.

READ MORE

Over a series of ten, two-hour workshops, attendees will explore questions of creative expression and representation.

READ MORE

This article is from: