Where Love is Illegal

72 countries around the world have criminal laws against sexual activity by lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or intersex people. That’s 72 countries where people who love each other must do so in secret. While the laws of each country vary - from the intent to commit an obscene act, or the right to freedom of expression of sexuality and gender identity – the brutality of punishments are shocking in all of these countries, and include fines, imprisonment, torture and, in some instances, death.

Sadly, discrimination and hatred is not limited to countries that outlaw love. Worldwide, violence and prejudice against the LGBTQI+ community is rampant, targeting those who simply wish to live openly as themselves.

Media outlets often tell us about laws, crimes and atrocities - but too often we don’t hear from the people themselves, the people who dare to love in places where their love is illegal.

Witness Change aims to change that. Led by photographer Robin Hammond, Witness Change documented and captured the personal testimonies of the LGBTQI+ community around the world. Those who participated in this global storytelling campaign chose how they wanted to pose, what to wear and how to present themselves. They hand wrote their stories and letters to be shared with the world. www.whereloveisillegal.com

This exhibit at the West Hollywood Library is funded through a One City One Pride grant from the City of West Hollywood's Arts Division. One City One Pride is the City's LGBTQ Arts Festival, which runs from May 22 - June 30, and in 2019 celebrates the theme "Love is Love." More information, events and exhibitions at www.weho.org/pride 

The exhibit will be on view at the West Hollywood Library, 625 N. San Vicente Blvd, during regular library hours:

M-Th: 11a-7p

Fr-Sa: 10a-6p

Su: 1p-5p

Closed Holidays

For more information about this project contact Mike Che, Arts Coordinator, at mche@weho.org.

OutRight Action International

Panel Discussion and Q&A

Sunday, June 30, 2019, 5-6:15 pm
City Council Chambers at the West Hollywood Library
625 N. San Vicente Blvd.
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Being LGBTQ is still illegal in 70 countries. Come see powerful images from award-winning photographer Robin Hammond’s project documenting images and stories from people in those countries; hear trans leader Rikki Nathanson’s stories of courage and activism in Zimbabwe; and learn about OutRight Action International’s work for human rights and LGBTQ freedom, safety, equality and dignity everywhere. 

The panel discussion is part of the "Day of Art", a full day of programming that marks the end of the 40 day One City One Pride LGBTQ+ Arts Festival. Click here to learn more about the One City One Pride Day of Art event. 

TASHA / KENYA
“My name is Tasha, that’s not my real name, but I’m using it for security reasons. I’m from Uganda. 21 years of age, but currently living in Nairobi, Kenya as a refugee, because my family got to know I’m gay… During my teenage I was expelled from school, because I was… exchanging letters with my boyfriend. That’s when my parents disowned me and put police to hunt me down. When I got to know about it I had to flee Uganda, because my life was in danger.”

About Witness Change

Witness Change exists to improve life for marginalized groups by amplifying their stories. Their vision is to create inclusive societies with equal rights for all. Witness Change’s current projects include Where Love Is Illegal and In My World, a campaign which amplifies stories of people living with mental health conditions. www.witnesschange.org

About Robin Hammond

Human rights photographer Robin Hammond is the winner of two World Press Photo prizes, the RF Kennedy Journalism Award, five Pictures of the Year International Awards, the W.Eugene Smith Award for Humanistic Photography, the recipient of six Amnesty International awards for Human Rights journalism, and named by Foreign Policy as one of the “100 Leading Global Thinkers”. Robin Hammond has dedicated his career to amplifying narratives of marginalised groups through long term photographic projects. Robin is the founder of Witness Change, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing human rights through highly visual storytelling. Born in New Zealand, he has lived in Japan, South Africa, France and the United Kingdom.

About OutRight Action International

OutRight works at the international, regional and national levels to research, document, defend, and advance human rights for LGBTIQ people around the world and fights for human rights for LGBTIQ people everywhere. OutRight is the only LGBTIQ organization that has a permanent presence to advocate at the United Nations Headquarters in New York for progress for LGBTIQ people. www.outrightinternational.org

About One City One Pride

Each year the City of West Hollywood celebrates pride with its One City One Pride LGBTQ Arts Festival, which runs from between Harvey Milk Day (May 22) through the end of June Pride month (June 30). The theme for 2019 is “Love is Love,” celebrating the universal bond that unites us especially during this 50th anniversary year of the Stonewall riots. www.weho.org/pride

D & O / RUSSIA
“After the attack, I felt even more strongly how dear D is to me, and how scary the thought that I could lose her. The worst thing that I felt was an absolute inability to protect the one I loved, or even myself… I realized that there are defective people who can pounce on us just because we are lesbians. But every time, now when I’m in the street, when I take her by the hand, I do it consciously, it is my choice. D, hold my hand, this is my reward for your courage.” D & O are a lesbian couple in Russia. They were attacked in the street because they were holding hands.

WALID & ABDESSATTAR / TUNISIA

“We were insulted, blackmailed, rejected, but we are strong, we have each other. What’s wrong with being in love?  I love him and he loves me. I want to hold his hand in public or kiss him but that’s forbidden here, it’s a crime. We are happy together we want to spend our life together and we will do it despite of everything.” Homosexuality is illegal in Tunisia so Walid & Abdessattar often have to keep their relationship hidden.