am I wrong to love? An exhibition on the LGBTQI refugee experience at Daniels Spectrum

On display until the end of July, am I wrong to love? An exhibition on the LGBTQI refugee experience is creating an impact through a collection of black and white portraits.

The series explores the stories of 20 refugees from 10 different countries who have all fled their home countries because of their gender expression, gender identity, or sexual identity. The brave photograph subjects were recruited through JAYU’s exhibition partners, including Presenting Sponsor UNHCR Canada, Rainbow Railroad, The 519, and FrancoQueer. Many of the subjects have had to conceal their identity to protect themselves.

“Given their circumstances, they are incredibly brave and courageous to step forward and share their stories and educate the public,” Lauren La Rose, representative of UNHCR Canada, tells he Toronto Star.  UNHCR reports that homosexuality is still criminalized in 77 countries and in seven, it warrants the death penalty.

Portraits were taken by 17 graduates from JAYU’s iAM Program, a year-round initiative that provides art and social justice training to underserved youth from across the Greater Toronto area. Each of these 17 youth were mentored one-on-one by a professional photographer from Toronto. In total, 20 photographers volunteered their time as mentors.

Don’t miss out on seeing this powerful show at Daniels Spectrum. For more information the exhibit, visit the JAYU website.