Visible. Queer. Inspiring: Art exhibition "We are pART of culture" opened at H-BRS

The exhibition "WE ARE PART OF CULTURE", developed by the non-profit Project 100% MENSCH, presents personalities from art, science, politics and society who have had a lasting impact on history and belong to the queer community. The exhibition shows that queer identities are a natural part of our society and have contributed to its achievements.

Two locations - one overall picture

The exhibition is spread across the locations in Rheinbach and Sankt Augstin. Students, staff and interested members of the public are cordially invited to visit both exhibition locations to experience the overall picture and discover the stories behind the portraits.

Voices and impressions from the opening

At the opening, Sarah Friedrichs, Head of Diversity Management at H-BRS, welcomed the guests. She emphasised the importance of respectful coexistence, strengthening bonds and encounters with diversity.

Holger Edmaier, Managing Director of 100% MENSCH, then explained how the travelling exhibition came about: 48 portraits were created from a list of over 300 lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people who have shaped our history. Between 2017 and 2019, these provided visibility and education in Deutsche Bahn railway stations, among other places. The exhibition breaks with the frequent portrayal of queer people as "victims" and focuses on the groundbreaking life achievements of these individuals. Portraits of personalities such as Virginia Woolf, Alan Turing, Frederick II, Simone de Beauvoir, Hans Christian Andersen and Freddie Mercury were created especially for the project by nationally and internationally renowned artists. The styles are as diverse as the biographies presented and range from ink, acrylic, stencil and drawing to cartoon and illustration.

Hendrik Heese, one of the leaders of the student initiative Queerheinbach, presented their work, which begins where the exhibition ends: with a focus on contemporary society, the initiative creates safe spaces for students and organises exchange and educational events. The next dates will be announced on the social media channels; a regulars' table and a lecture by H-BRS Professor Toni Loh are planned for November.

The vernissage offered visitors the opportunity to discover the portraits and accompanying texts, engage in conversation over finger food and drinks and take in the diversity of the exhibited works.