Several of the photographs of LGBTQ+ community leaders in the public exhibition, “Portraits of Pride,” displayed through tomorrow, Oct. 29, on the Boston Common, have been vandalized, according to a statement by the show’s Creative Director Jean Dolin.
To celebrate LGBT History Month, the show features 8-foot portraits of local LGBTQ+ leaders from a variety of backgrounds and industries, and shot by world-renowned photographer John Huet (Vogue, Olympics, Nike), and curated by area LGBTQ advocate and community organizer Jean E. Dolin.
Reports the Boston Globe:
“Portraits of Pride is a labor of love and a love letter to all the champions and icons of the LGBTQ Community in Boston,” Creative Director Jean Dolin wrote in a statement posted to the exhibit’s Facebook page Friday.
“I have been wrestling with this vandalism for four days, trying to decide whether I should give it any energy and address it,” Dolin wrote. “But I am at a loss for words, saddened, and hurt to my core.”
At least three of the portraits showed signs of vandalism when a Boston Globe reporter visited the site on Thursday morning, the newspaper reported.
Large slash marks were visible on portraits of YW Boston President and CEO Beth Chandler; Queer Youth Assemble Head of Teams Alia Cusolito; and Leadership Brainery co-founder and Executive Director Derrick Young Jr., according to the Globe.
Dolin’s statement also mentions state Sen. Julian Cyr, though it was unclear whether Cyr’s portrait had been vandalized, and “Portraits of Pride” did not immediately respond to Boston.com’s request for clarification.
Dolin apologized to exhibit photographer John Huet and the honorees whose portraits were vandalized.
Read the complete Boston Globe story here.
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