An exhibition and book featuring stories and photographs of 10 people from Kendal’s queer community will launch ahead of the town’s pride festival.
Over the past two months, writers Duncan Hodgson and Jonathan Cowie have interviewed local LGBTQIA+ people, while photographer Sarah Hewitt has captured images.
Stories from Queer Kendal gives an insight into the experience of a selection of queer people from Kendal and the South Lakes, and includes photographs taken in significant places for each of the participants.
Jonathan said: “It has been both fascinating and a privilege to get to know some of the familiar faces from the colourful community that’s blossoming here.
“And many of the people we’ve interviewed have been extremely brave in bearing their souls and sharing their important stories.”
Sarah said: “We hope that delving into these stories will inspire and move people and that it affirms the fact that it’s not just possible, but preferable, to live a queer life and thrive in Kendal.”
The people whose stories are told through the book range in ages from those in their early 20s to others in their 70s, and reflect the different experiences each has had, plus the changing nature of what it means to live as queer.
Inside the book, the stories cover topics as diverse as the cultural difference between India and the UK, mental health, gender spectrum, the possibility of choosing music as a career, and theatre as a method of changing hearts and minds.
Kendalian Matt Hayton, who performs as part of queer Indie band Tote is featured, as is outdoor instructor Claire Hewick.
Jamie Hooper, chair of Kendal Pride, added: “We’re so looking forward to sharing the Stories from Queer Kendal book and exhibition with everyone ahead of pride 2024.
“This has been both a tough and beautiful journey for everyone involved, and we’re delighted to see it coming to fruition.”
Stories from Queer Kendal will launch at No-Hands Rest coffee bar in Kendal on Tuesday, June 11, from 6.30pm and an exhibition of the images will be on display until the end of the month.
Books can be bought there or at the Pride Village on Saturday June 15 at Abbot Hall for £10.
Kendal Pride has been funded for 2024 by Arts Council England, National Lottery Awards for All, Kendal BID, Kendal Town Council, Cumbria Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, and is sponsored by Herdy, the Westmorland Family, Douglass Grange and Anord Mardix.
