Art

Where Love Is Illegal

Photo Robin Hammond/Panos for Witness Change

Imran is a high school boy living in Uganda. He was ridiculed and bullied due to his sexuality. It became so severe to the point school administration had to intervene and notify his mother. She didn’t console her son. She didn’t defend him. In front of the entire school, she announced she would rather see him dead than alive as gay. Imran’s mother disowned him and while he was on his knees crying and begging for compassion, she turned her back. Imran isn’t alone. Created by award winning photographer Robin Hammond, Where Love is Illegal is a global photography and social media campaign documenting the lives of those living in fear of persecution and discrimination.

Hosted at Spring Studios, the photographs and touching stories of individuals Hammond met on his journey throughout the world were displayed. LGBT community leaders and tastemakers from fashion, luxury, and design held this fundraiser for the Fund for Global Human Rights. The proceeds will benefit grassroots organizations providing relief to LGBTI victims of oppression in countries where being LGBTI is illegal. Hammond delivered a touching speech reflecting on his experiences and lives he encountered, which made us realize just because America is progressively achieving equality, it doesn’t mean our fight should end there.

Photo Robin Hammond/Panos for Witness Change

The evening served as a wake up call (with cocktails) that discrimination, hate crimes, and oppressions are very much still a reality. The event served as a pre-opening reception for an exhibition of the photography from Where Love is Illegal at the New York City Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual and Transgender Community Center, which began October 15th.

About author

Articles

Jamie Valentino interviews celebrities and tastemakers in New York City. He serves as POP Style TV's correspondent at New York Fashion Week, Tribeca Film Festival, International Emmys, and other high-level media events. You can also see his work in WIRED, VICE, Houston Chronicle, Xtra Magazine, Canadian Business, among others.
    Related posts
    ArtLuxury Living NYC

    Lamborghini Lounge NYC Presents 'Lamborghini: 60 Years of Artistry in Motion'

    Lamborghini Lounge in NYC is open to the public for the first time to showcase the exhibition of…
    Read more
    Art

    Elizabeth Sutton Celebrates Pop-Up Gallery Opening in Chelsea NYC

    Good vibes and bold designs have arrived in West Chelsea with the opening of the new Elizabeth…
    Read more
    Art

    Award Crowns Trilogy of Elysian Events in New York City

    Elysian, an international luxury lifestyle brand created to inspire and reflect the interests of…
    Read more
    Newsletter
    Join The Special Circle

    Keep it POPPING with POP Style TV !

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *