FRANCESCO GIORDANO
PHOTOGRAPHER
FRANCESCO GIORDANO
FRANCESCO GIORDANO

377. Inside India's Queer Community (2019 - 2021)

How do people live in a country that has legally prohibited them from being themselves, loving whom they choose, and dressing as they wish for over a hundred years? We traveled to India to meet and listen to people from the LGBTIQ community.

For over 150 years, "Section 377" was a part of the Indian Penal Code, introduced by British colonial rulers in 1861. It stated that "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" is a crime and is punishable. Same-sex relationships, in particular, were criminalized for a long time. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that a portion of the section, primarily targeting gay and lesbian individuals, violated the constitution and was subsequently struck down.

With our project 377. Inside India’s Queer Community, we aim to provide insight to those who cannot witness it firsthand. We seek to give a voice and a face to those who must go into hiding daily. We tell the stories of those who are part of India's LGBTIQ community, individuals who have entrusted us with their lives, thoughts, and feelings.

The project is a collaboration with the photographer Gina Bolle and the journalists Stefanie Witterauf and Maria Christoph. It was exhibited as the winner in the Photobook category at the Belfast Photo Festival 2022.

Cover photo: Gina Bolle

Crowdfunding video of our project 377. Inside India's Queer Community

 

Click here for full highlight 

The project 377. Inside India's Queer Community was exhibited twice in Munich in 2021. The first time was during the CSD at the architecture office "das Zwo". Due to the need to adhere to COVID hygiene regulations, we showcased the artwork from both inside and outside. The second exhibition lasted for a month at "Café Lozzi", and for the closing event, we organized a musical contribution.

FRANCESCO GIORDANO

377. Inside India's Queer Community (2019 - 2021)

How do people live in a country that has legally prohibited them from being themselves, loving whom they choose, and dressing as they wish for over a hundred years? We traveled to India to meet and listen to people from the LGBTIQ community.

For over 150 years, "Section 377" was a part of the Indian Penal Code, introduced by British colonial rulers in 1861. It stated that "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" is a crime and is punishable. Same-sex relationships, in particular, were criminalized for a long time. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled that a portion of the section, primarily targeting gay and lesbian individuals, violated the constitution and was subsequently struck down.

With our project 377. Inside India’s Queer Community, we aim to provide insight to those who cannot witness it firsthand. We seek to give a voice and a face to those who must go into hiding daily. We tell the stories of those who are part of India's LGBTIQ community, individuals who have entrusted us with their lives, thoughts, and feelings.

The project is a collaboration with the photographer Gina Bolle and the journalists Stefanie Witterauf and Maria Christoph. It was exhibited as the winner in the Photobook category at the Belfast Photo Festival 2022.

Cover photo: Gina Bolle

Crowdfunding video of our project 377. Inside India's Queer Community

Click here for full highlight 

The project 377. Inside India's Queer Community was exhibited twice in Munich in 2021. The first time was during the CSD at the architecture office "das Zwo". Due to the need to adhere to COVID hygiene regulations, we showcased the artwork from both inside and outside. The second exhibition lasted for a month at "Café Lozzi", and for the closing event, we organized a musical contribution.