Visibility Exhibit

This year’s project focused on role models—living or past, real or fictional—who have been instrumental in the lives of our queer community members, inspiring them to live visibly and openly as out LGBTQ+ individuals. Portraits of queer community members, taken by our talented HS photography students, hung alongside photos submitted by our community and heartfelt captions. Together, these provided exhibit viewers with deeply personal stories that highlighted the profound impact that role models and mentors have played in the lives of so many people who are at or connected to Grace. 

 

The opening night’s festivities included a moving panel discussion with educators and counselors from the Hetrick-Martin Institute, the nation's oldest organization aiding and empowering LGBTQIA+ youth—and one of our next door neighbors. After a warm introduction from the organizers‚ Director of Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Jean-Robert André, Diversity Programs Coordinator Antonella Dominguez, 7th and 8th grade Dean Susan Sterman-Jones, and chair of the Parent Gender/Sexuality Alliance (GSA), Sarah Fitzharding, the panelists shared stories of their work with LGBTQ+ youth who use HMI’s resources and facilities, described the power of representation for queer youth, and advised allies on how to help places like Grace continue to be a safe environment for our students to live authentically in their identities.

In 2014, the first GCS Visibility Photography Exhibit covered the walls with more than eighty photographs submitted by every constituency in our school. The number of submissions has ballooned since then, and recent exhibits have centered around themes such as “change makers” or community quotes about visibility and representation. We are proud to continue the important work of supporting our community members, their sense of belonging, and the celebration of their dignity. 

We thank those who contributed to this project, everyone who attended the opening night reception, and all who are dedicated to supporting and maintaining a community—and a world—grounded in inclusion, respect, and pride.