Where: Lees Gallery, Bournemouth University, Talbot Campus
When: Ongoing throughout 2021
Transgender people’s stories are sometimes lost during LGBT History Month (February). This LGBT+ art exhibition is about how a Bournemouth-based transgender social group participates in swimming, a physical activity that can be daunting because of the display of the body. Swimming and aquatic activity have positive mental and physical health benefits (Swim England, 2017). And yet, physical activity and sport can be unwelcoming to LGBT+ participants.
A Pride Sports study in 2016 showed that homophobic and transphobic language, and the acceptance of homophobic and transphobic banter continue to pervade physical activity and sport environments. The exhibition’s artwork shows Communi-T members’ positive and negative experiences of swimming and aquatic activity.
Curated by Jayne Caudwell. The exhibition materials and the swim sessions were funded by Leisure Studies Association.
Find out more about Art at BU exhibitions.