PORTRAITS of out and proud members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ) community will hang on the walls of Newcastle library's gallery throughout May.
The Lovett Gallery will display their portraits alongside their stories of coming out, transitioning, dating and acceptance - shining a light on people with a disability who also identify as part of the LGBTIQ community.
The Outing Disability photography exhibition was developed by Family Planning NSW in collaboration with freelance photographer Belinda Mason.
Mason's work has often focused on taboo social issues, including subjects such as identity, body image and grief.
Below each of the 23 portraits is a snippet from each of the subjects' lives.
Each portrait is framed by a mirror, giving the viewers a glimpse at themselves as they take in the exhibition.
Steve's is one of the portraits on exhibition and he shares his story about being born in a female body.
Family Planning NSW spokesman Rob Hardy said he hoped the exhibition promoted discussions around the issues faced by LGBTIQ people with a disability.
He said many of the portrait subjects had shared experiences of discrimination, a lack of recognition and assumptions about their sexuality.
■ Outing Disability is on at the Lovett Gallery at Newcastle Region Library until May 30.
