We Exist, We Belong

A new photography project celebrating LGBTQ+ people, places and stories in Havering.

Are you LGBTQ+ and connected to Havering?

We’re inviting local people to take part in a new editorial photography project exploring visibility, belonging, identity and queer life in Havering.

This isn't about professional models.

It’s about real people, real stories and the places that matter to us.

[ EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST → ]

YOUR STORY. YOUR SPACE. YOUR PORTRAIT.

We Exist, We Belong is a photography project documenting the lives and experiences of LGBTQ+ people across Havering.

Through bold, expressive portraits and short documentary clips, we want to explore what it means to exist openly, take up space and feel that you belong.

Havering is home to LGBTQ+ people with stories that deserve to be seen.

At the heart of the project is a simple message:

We exist here.

We belong here.

Havering is our home too.

COULD YOU BE PART OF IT?

We are looking for approximately 10 LGBTQ+ people connected to Havering to take part in the photography project.

You don't need to be a model.

You don't need any photography experience.

You don't need to know exactly what you want to say.

You just need to be yourself.

You might want to be photographed in a place that's important to you, wear something that makes you feel powerful, bring an object that tells a story, or simply create an image that feels completely different from how people normally see you.

We'll work with you to create something that feels personal, bold and authentically you.

02 — WE CREATE

You'll work with photographer Hannah Davis to create your portraits.

The visual style is bold, expressive and editorial.

Think big ideas, striking styling and photographs that aren't afraid to take up space.

You'll have the opportunity to contribute ideas throughout the process.

04 — YOUR STORY BECOMES PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER

With your permission, your photographs and words may become part of the final project.

The completed work will be shared through an exhibition/installation at Lumiere, an online photo story and potential exhibition spaces elsewhere in Havering.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

01 — WE TALK

Before the shoot, we'll have a conversation about you, your ideas and what you'd like the photographs to communicate.

You can tell us about a place that's important to you, something you want to wear, an object you'd like to include, or simply a feeling you'd like the photographs to capture.

03 — WE PHOTOGRAPH

Photographs will be created in Lumiere and other locations across Havering, chosen with you based on your story, accessibility and comfort.

We'll create a small number of carefully considered images rather than rushing through a standard portrait session.

Make it Yours.

This project isn't about asking you to fit into a particular idea of what LGBTQ+ identity looks like.

You help shape the photograph.

You could bring:

  • A LOOK

    An outfit, makeup, colour or style that makes you feel like yourself.

  • A PLACE

    Somewhere in Havering that means something to you.

  • A MEMORY

    A story about growing up, community, nightlife, friendship or belonging.

  • AN OBJECT

    Something personal that says something about you.

  • New List Item

    A MESSAGE

    Something you've always wanted people to understand.

A SAFE, CONSENT-LED PROCESS

Your comfort matters.

Before taking part, we'll explain how the project works, where photographs may be shown and how your contribution may be used.

You'll have the opportunity to discuss boundaries, privacy and what you are and aren't comfortable sharing.

You don't have to share anything about yourself that you don't want to.

We want the shoot to feel collaborative, supportive and enjoyable, not like an audition or an interview.

Participation is voluntary, and you'll be able to ask questions before deciding whether you'd like to take part.

WHERE WILL IT TAKE PLACE?

Lumiere is at the heart of the project.

It represents an important space for LGBTQ+ community and visibility in Havering.

Some portraits will also take place in locations across the borough, potentially including high streets, parks, community spaces and other places that have meaning to participants.

The location will be discussed with you before your shoot.

WHY THIS PROJECT?

There are LGBTQ+ stories in Havering that aren't always visible.

There are places that hold memories.

There are people who have built community.

There are people who have stayed, returned, found each other and made a home here.

This project is about documenting that.

Not just LGBTQ+ history.

LGBTQ+ life now.

The ordinary.

The extraordinary.

The joyful.

The complicated.

The loud.

The quiet.

The people who are here.

WHAT WILL THE FINAL PROJECT LOOK LIKE?

The photographs and short video pieces will come together as a visual story about LGBTQ+ life in Havering.

The work is planned to be shared through:

📍 EXHIBITION AT LUMIERE

A community launch event featuring large-format photographs and short video pieces.

💻 ONLINE PHOTO STORY

The completed project will be published online through Kaleidoscope, allowing the work to reach people beyond the exhibition.

🏙️ FUTURE EXHIBITION SPACES

The project will also explore opportunities to exhibit the work elsewhere in Havering.

WANT TO BE PART OF IT?

We're inviting LGBTQ+ people who live, work, study, socialise or have a meaningful connection to Havering to express their interest.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with different ages, backgrounds, identities, experiences and connections to the borough.

You don't need to have a big story.

Your everyday experience of being here is enough.

[ EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST ]

Completing the form doesn't commit you to taking part. We'll contact you with more information before you decide.