Popping up in Liverpool’s iconic Royal Albert Dock from 11-13 May, the free exhibition will explore the concept of “Queer Joy” – defined as the deep happiness that brings warmth and purpose to queer lives.  

The exhibition will showcase striking portraits of queer people, captured by a variety of emerging international photographers. Through these images, the pop-up exhibition aims to shine a light on the unfiltered, queer self-expression that is vital to the LGBTQ+ community and highlight the feeling of QUEER JOY.

Guests will be invited to capture their own images within the space, pick up a packet of SKITTLES® and will also have the chance to have a portrait captured by a local queer photographer. 

The QUEER JOY preview in Liverpool signals the start of a yearlong mission for SKITTLES®, GAY TIMES, Queer Britain, and Getty Images, who are helping millions of people to See The Rainbow by working to improve LGBTQ+ representation in photography. This year, the group will be capturing all identities in 1000+ images to help tackle stereotypes in media and better represent the vibrant and dynamic LGBTQ+ community within the UK.  

Following its preview, the full exhibition will officially open at The Outside Art Project, which has turned King’s Cross into one of the largest outdoor gallery spaces in London. Always-on, always-free and always open, the QUEER JOY exhibition will be showcased from June to August 2023. 

Speaking about the exhibition, Ryan Pardo-Roques, Senior Brand Manager, SKITTLES® said: “Liverpool has an impressive history when it comes to LGBTQ+ movements and we’re thrilled to reveal a glimpse of our QUEER JOY exhibition in the city. 

“This month, we will see a Europe-wide moment of cultural unity in Liverpool and we’re hoping that the exhibition will help further spark the feeling of queer joy, vibrant expression, and togetherness. 

“The exhibition marks a three-year journey with our brilliant partners to help create the LGBTQ+ archives of tomorrow, shaping them into the dynamic and representative collections they ought to be. By helping people See The Rainbow we hope to drive more acceptance through visibility!” 

Josh Fletcher, Executive Creative Director at GTX, GAYTIMES Group, added: “In a world where anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric is gaining more prominence across the media landscape, representation of QUEER JOY is more important than ever.