Back in April 2026, Queer Heritage South partnered with POST, a newly established lens-based arts centre in Hove championing creativity, sustainability, education, and community to announce our Queer Heritage in Focus: Creative Callout.

The purpose of this opportunity was to invite a socially engaged LGBTQIA+ photographer or collective to work with the QHS archive and other photographic archives in Brighton & Hove to create an exhibition (on display in February 2027) of photographic material and archival displays.

We are delighted to annouce that we will be working with The Brighton Queer Photographers Collective to make this happen! As well as the opportunity to curate the exhbition, the Collective will also recieve practical support from QHS Producers and Arcivists to support delivering workshops and gathering research. Plus, mentoring from artists and co-directors of POST, Nina Emett and Simon Roberts, and technical and access to resources such as POST's studios, Coworking Space and B&W darkroom. 

To celebrate the annoucement, we sat down with Roxy van der Post (they/them), representative of the The Brighton Queer Photographers Collective to discover more about who they are, what they do, their thoughts on community archives and what excites them about this opportunity!

1. Can you briefly introduce the Collective? Who are you, and how was the Collective formed?

The Brighton Queer Photographers Collective (@queerphoto_collective) was founded in 2023 by V Teo (of Kaleidoshoots fame) from a desire to turn photography from a solo activity into a communal experience. As such, we host social meet-ups, workshops, fundraisers, and exhibitions (for example, at Brighton Photo Fringe and Photo Hastings). 

We’re an international mix of creatives who frequently capture (underground) queer life in Brighton and beyond. They have worked with ACCA, Amnesty International, BlackStage Pole, Brighton Festival, and Trans Pride Brighton among many other organisations.

From newbies to professionals, any queer photographer is welcome! Members are encouraged to share their passion and specialist knowledge with others. This is a space for LGBTQIA+ people to connect, learn, share opportunities, push the boundaries of their creativity, and feel joyful!

2. Why did you apply to the callout? What excited you about this opportunity?

The chance to work on a project of this scale, with partners of this caliber, was too enticing! We’re not only learning more about local queer history, but becoming part of it. To contribute to the ongoing conversation of our queer past, present, and future, the work that drives the Queer Heritage South archive, is deeply meaningful to all of us.

3. Were there any images, stories or themes in the Queer Heritage South archive that you were initially drawn to or are particularly interested in exploring?

It was the focus on everyday stories that we were most drawn to initially, people clubbing at The Candy Bar or hanging out at the Sussex Club barbecue. We also wanted to learn more about the socially engaged groups that came before us, and there are plenty of posters and banners that showcase the art & activism of our city. This exhibition is our way to spotlight and honour them.

Another important aspect is that the Queer Heritage South archive is accessible. It’s not locked away for only researchers to access, or filled with stories of wealthy or famous people ‘worthy’ of preservation. It’s online for anyone to browse and participate in. You can add your own images and feel truly represented. Our so-called normal lives are worthy, inspiring, and important - that's a powerful message.

4. What interests you about working with a community archive and the stories held within it?

Like we said earlier, that community aspect makes Queer Heritage South even more impactful in our opinion. With the rise of the far-right and individualism, Western society seems more fragmented than ever and minority groups are increasingly at risk of being erased from public life. We’re hoping to create an exhibition where we can honour those who came before us, reclaim the pride in our identities and our city’s history, and bring together people who are fighting for our collective liberation - within and outside of the LGBTQIA+ sphere.

Even in this early stage, it's been fascinating to learn about new places and people, some of whom we had no idea existed. Doing that research and interpreting it through photography is a privilege. Reflecting on what was, what disappeared, and what is left behind (and who has access to all of this) made us look at the city in a totally different way. Hopefully our exhibition will help more people connect with Brighton’s queer history and this amazing archive!

5. Is there anything else you would like us to mention or include in the announcement?

Just a big thank you to the Queer Heritage South team, and to everyone who has contributed to the archive. Thanks to you, we can get a glimpse of what it was like to be queer in Brighton at different moments in time. We cannot wait to see how the archive will grow over the years!

Queer Heritage South; powered by Marlborough Productions. Made possible thanks to The National Lotterty Heritage Fund.