Pride at Sussex is a photography and written word exhibition spotlighting LGBTQ+ staff at the University of Sussex. The exhibition will be held from 17 June until 31 July in the Corner Gallery in the Library. The exhibition features photographs of participating staff members, or a meaningful place on campus that represents them, alongside a caption drawn from their experiences being LGBTQ+ at Sussex.
“Being queer at Sussex means walking around campus and seeing our beautiful students and staff of so many different identities. It’s important to create spaces where all queer members of our university can feel safe and comfortable, and I believe that being part of the staff network helps me contribute to that.”
- Hermione La Chapelle, Senior Student Engagement Officer and Co-Chair of the LGBTQ+ Staff Network (she/they, bisexual)
“It can often feel hopeless asking for things that others are given without thought. But then I see that there are many of us, all pushing towards creating something better and I feel hopeful. I want our staff to truly trust that Sussex supports them - through actions not just words. Sussex has a lot of work to do. Progress is fought for, and we intend to win.”
- James Ward-Lee, former Chair of the Trans and Non-Binary Staff Network (he/they, queer trans man)
An accompanying Padlet will be populated with the exhibition photographs and fuller versions of the participants’ written reflections closer to the exhibition launch date.
The Pride at Sussex project has been led by James Ward-Lee, former Chair of the Trans and Non-Binary staff network, in conjunction with a small working group composed of members of the LGBTQ Steering Group.