Skittles & Getty Images Team Up To Support Young LGBTQ+ Photographers’ Careers

While the LGBTQ+ community has always been around, many of history’s archives and galleries often lack representative documentation, no doubt due to how queer lives have been obscured throughout history. 

Now, Queer Britain—the UK’s first LGBTQ+ museum—has partnered with Skittles, the Gay Times, and Getty Images to “recolor the rainbow” and preserve the experiences of queer individuals for the archives of tomorrow. 

This effort comes after Skittles launched an initiative last year to restore and recolor iconic photographs from Pride parades.

A key factor in creating such a collection is to ensure there are dynamic images that represent the entire spectrum. Getty Images’ VisualGPS INSIGHTS research showed that most of the images used of LGBTQ+ people from its archive relied on outdated stereotypes. 

In fact, 30% of pictures used to portray gay men were flamboyant, while 29% of images of gay women involved them looking more masculine. Additionally, 29% of queer images used featured the rainbow flag. 

“What’s clear is that the photographs we often see depicting queer people don’t accurately represent the intersections and diverse spectrum of LGBTQ+ identities,” the Gay Times noted. 

Naturally, in order to capture a diverse range of these images, more young queer photographers need to be supported. Most are held back by a lack of opportunity, low financial compensation, and the high cost of camera equipment and editing software. 

As such, the project will see the launch of five bursaries to up-and-coming photographers residing in the UK, to help inspire these burgeoning photographers further their careers while documenting the dynamic LGBTQ+ landscape. 

Successful recipients will get to attend a masterclass hosted by Getty Images and Gay Times, have the chance to shoot editorial content for the publication, and learn directly from a Getty Images photographer one-on-one. Furthermore, they will have their portfolios reviewed by Getty Images’ team, and receive a £1,000 grant, Fujifilm camera kit, Skittles package, and tour of Queer Britain’s museum. 

“These bursaries are hugely important as if we are going to support modern archiving and properly record our histories, we need to support emerging creators to help us do it. As it is, we are losing our heritage every day,” remarked Joseph Galliano, co-founder of Queer Britain. 

“We look to further unearth never-before-seen photography and pave the way for more diverse archives through our bursaries program,” added Victoria Gell, Skittles Brand Director.

[via LBB Online and Gay Times, cover image via Gay Times]