June is Pride month, and this year it marks a major partnership between MTV and global movement All Out – two organizations that have teamed up to present an international LGBT+ photographic competition, the All Out Photo Award 2021.
The All Out Photo Award 2021 features three categories, with a $1,000 (approximately £705 / AU$1,293) cash prize for each winner, with submissions "accepted from all photographic genres and from anyone, regardless of gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, nationality, or any other characteristic or status are welcome."
Not only does the competition coincide with Pride month – an annual celebration, recognition and affirmation of the LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, 'plus' other identities along the sexuality spectrum) – it also sheds specific light on the challenges faced by the LGBT+ community during the COVID-19 crisis.
"In so many countries around the world, LGBT+ people continue to face a disproportionate impact from COVID-19," says the Award website. "Existing marginalization, dependence on the informal economy and pre-existing health vulnerabilities, particularly HIV, are all combining to leave queer communities horribly exposed.
"All this comes on top of existing challenges of the discrimination and violence queer communities were already facing. Attacks on LGBT+ people continued as more 'LGBT-free zones' were established in Poland, innocent LGBT+ people were arrested and mistreated in countries like Russia, Cameroon, and Tunisia, and many were targeted by hate crimes, and denied access to basic human rights."
The three categories in the All Out Photo Award are:
Resisting
Show us your photos of how LGBT+ people and their communities and allies around the world resist attacks and discrimination.
Supporting
Share your photos that show how LGBT+ people and their communities and allies support each other in difficult times.
Healing
Submit photos that show how LGBT+ people and their communities and allies take steps forward to collectively heal from experienced struggles and pain.
In addition to the $1,000 top prizes, two runners up in each category will receive a $300 BayPhoto.com voucher and a one year subscription to Flickr Pro, one of the best online photo storage providers.
The deadline for entries is 11 June 2021 at 11:59 EDT, with winners being announced on Pride Day – 28 June 2021. Click here to enter the competition, and good luck!
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