A new photographic exhibition has opened at People’s History Museum that is curated by Proud 2 b Parents to highlight its work with LGBT+ parents and carers and their children. Showing until Wednesday 1 September 2021, The Unseen Community seeks to capture the ‘normality’ of everyday life in a series of images taken by artist Allie Crewe.

As well as raising awareness and understanding, the exhibition endeavours to challenge assumptions about these ‘unseen communities’ and reflect the work of Proud 2 b Parents over the last ten years as an organisation that runs sessions and provides vital support for LGBT+ parents.

Across the series of images Allie has shared a series of intimate and everyday moments; from baking to bye byes, cuddles to Calpol and pregnancy to a baby’s arrival in the delivery suite.

As well as being Proud 2 b Parents’ Service Coordinator and board Secretary, Matt Taylor-Roberts appears in the exhibition, with a picture that shows the joyful chaos of never having a moment to yourself as a parent and how lucky this makes him feel. But there are also other emotions at play, as Matt says, “At times in the day I have my whole world in one room with me. But, this photo also makes me sad, as this little boy is growing, changing and developing. One day I will miss my little shade but for now I am truly grateful for every moment I don’t have alone!

“I want this photo to tell you, I am like you! I am a parent too. I have the same overwhelming love for my child and the same fears, hopes and dreams. But I also worry that you will disprove of him, because of me. I worry that you won’t accept him, because of his parents. I worry you won’t let your child be friends with him because of who I love. I also want our community to know that you too can be a parent. That it’s not something you can’t be, just because of the person you are. But I also want you to know, we are part of your community too. I am gay and a parent. We have fought with you, been in parades, and stood next to you in bars. My son will do the same in time, because he will grow up to know the world around him, is a diverse melting pot, in which everyone is equal!!”

Allie is a highly renowned artist, whose work has been exhibited all over the UK and whose award credits include winner of the BJP Portrait of Britain Award in 2019.

Artist Allie Crewe says, “These fabulous families feel unseen, a community who wants greater visibility, to proudly take up space, the 21st century family is more diverse. Photography is a way to provoke new ways thinking and engage people in a different conversation. Art is transformative.”

People’s History Museum’s opening hours are Wednesday to Sunday, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. The museum and its exhibitions are free to visit with a suggested donation of £5.