"Where Love Is Illegal": Chronicling LGBT Stories of Love and Discrimination (Part 2) | Nat Geo Live

TL;DR

Photographer documents stories of LGBT persecution worldwide, amplifying voices and driving impactful change.

Transcript

• I was in Lagos, Nigeria in 2014 when I heard about five young men in the north of the country who faced the death penalty for committing gay acts. They were in the Sharia Law controlled part of the country. So I went up to see them. Fortunately by the time I got up there, their case had been dismissed and they were out of prison, but they were ho... Read More

Key Insights

• ✊ Authentic personal stories have the power to break down barriers of discrimination.
• 👥 Social media can amplify voices of marginalized groups and inspire connections.
• 🏛️ Giving subjects autonomy over their representation builds trust and empowerment.
• 🪛 Collaborating with grassroots organizations can have a significant impact on driving change.

Questions & Answers

Q: What inspired the creation of Where Love Is Illegal?

The photographer was moved by the stories of survival of LGBT individuals facing persecution, leading to the creation of the project to amplify their voices and raise awareness.

Q: How did the photographer ensure the safety and control of the individuals photographed?

Each subject had the option to destroy their photo if it endangered them, with subjects having control over how they were portrayed, what to wear, and their testimonies.

Q: How did social media play a role in amplifying the stories shared by Where Love Is Illegal?

Social media platforms allowed for global reach, connecting with millions, and empowering individuals to share their own stories, breaking barriers of silence.

Q: How does the organization Witness Change drive impactful change?

Witness Change collaborates with grassroots organizations, raises funds, and supports initiatives to make a tangible difference in the lives of marginalized LGBT individuals globally.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Photographer documents survival stories of LGBT individuals facing persecution worldwide.

• Employs large format camera with subjects having autonomy over their representation.

• Stories shared online garner significant social media following, raising awareness and driving real-world change through an organization.