‘Take a Walk in Our Shoes’ Exhibition to Shed Light on LGBTQ+ Experiences in Dudley Borough

The What? Centre, a longstanding Young Person’s Advice and Counselling Service, is proud to announce the upcoming launch of an innovative and impactful art exhibition ‘Take a Walk in Our Shoes.’ This unique project, spearheaded by the Centre's 18+ LGBTQ+ group in collaboration with the BeeHIVe Project, seeks to explore and express the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within the Dudley Borough.

Supported by Creative Black Country’s MORE TO EXPLORE programme in partnership with the Black Country Living Museum, ‘Take a Walk in Our Shoes’ will offer a powerful and personal insight into the challenges and triumphs faced by the local LGBTQ+ community.

The exhibition features a collaborative art piece that weaves together the identities of group members through textiles and upcycled clothing. At the heart of the display will be an androgynous mannequin, dressed to embody the diverse LGBTQ+ identities of its creators. Each group member has contributed by either donating or selecting a piece of clothing that resonates with their identity, transforming these items into a unified outfit that symbolises their shared experience.

In addition to the outfit, the mannequin will be surrounded by pairs of upcycled shoes, each decorated by a group member to reflect their individuality. Accompanying the shoes will be personal written extracts, offering visitors a glimpse into the unique and often challenging experiences of being LGBTQ+ in Dudley Borough.

“The ‘Take a Walk in Our Shoes’ project is more than an art exhibition; it is a call to action. By sharing their personal stories, the group aims to raise awareness about the stigma and discrimination that LGBTQ+ individuals continue to face. Through this exhibition, they hope to foster empathy, challenge homophobic and transphobic attitudes, and contribute to making Dudley a more compassionate and accepting place for all.” Says project coordinator Alicia Dunn of the BeeHIVe Project.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to engage with the artwork by adding their own stories and comments, making it a truly interactive and evolving display. The exhibition will be initially showcased on Dudley High Street before moving to The Dudley Archives, where it will be open to the public from September 25th.

Founded in March 1989, The What? Centre provides essential one-to-one counselling services for young people across Stourbridge and Dudley. The Centre's mission is to support young people through various challenges, offering a safe space for them to express themselves and receive the help they need.