Over 100 portraits of LGBTQ+ people, accompanied by their accounts of being ‘out and proud’ in their working environment, will be featured in an outdoor exhibition in the City of London Corporation’s Guildhall Yard.

Photographer Fiona Freund’s ‘CorporateQueer’ (24 June - 2 July) provides a personal insight into the lives of professional people who want to celebrate their own ‘queerness’, and how they are supported by their allies.

At the heart of the exhibition is the question: “how do you hold down a demanding job in the UK’s corporate world and balance that part of your life with how you identify?”

City Corporation Elected Members Edward Lord and Tim Hailes are joined by Lord Mayor of the City of London Nicholas Lyons as an LGBTQ+ ally.

‘CorporateQueer’ is part of the City Corporation’s flagship Destination City programme, which sets out a vision for the Square Mile to become a world-leading leisure destination for UK and global visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.

Principal sponsor of the exhibition, Investec, stands with the City of London Corporation, Linklaters, and The Phoenix Group in being very proud to support ‘CorporateQueer.’

Chairman of the City Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee Munsur Ali, said:

“My colleagues and I at the City of London Corporation are delighted to host this exhibition, as part of our Destination City programme.

“The City Corporation, which has its own Pride Network and flies the Pride flag over Guildhall every year, applauds everyone who was photographed by Fiona Freund for this exhibition, all of them proud to celebrate their identity and tell their stories.”

Photographer Fiona Freund said:

“My pictures are a celebration of amazing queer people who are willing to share their stories, so that others might be inspired to live theirs. I don’t take photographs; they are given to me. 

“The people in these pictures have given so much, and making this exhibition has been truly inspiring and humbling.”

Ian Clark, Marketing Director of Wealth Investments and Banking at Investec, which features 14 of the company’s staff in ‘CorporateQueer’, said:

“We strive to embrace diversity, inclusivity, and equality for all individuals. Supporting initiatives like the ‘Corporate Queer’ in the City’s campaign is part of our commitment to creating a more inclusive society.

“We believe in fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can feel empowered and respected.”

Angela Ogilvie, Chief People Officer of Linklaters, said:

“Linklaters is delighted to sponsor this exhibition featuring some wonderful depictions of a number of our fantastic colleagues celebrating their lives and careers.”

Destination City builds on a long track record of culture investment in the Square Mile. The City Corporation is already the fourth largest funder of heritage and cultural activities in the UK and invests over £130m every year.

ENDS

Notes to editors

‘CorporateQueer’ will be held in Guildhall Yard, EC2V 5AR, from 24 June to 2 July. FREE entry.

About the City of London Corporation:

The City of London Corporation, which owns and manages Barbican Music Library, is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk

About Destination City:

The City of London Corporation’s flagship Destination City programme sets out a vision for the Square Mile to become a world-leading leisure destination for UK and global visitors, workers, and residents to enjoy.

Find out more about the Destination City Programme here: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/destinationcity.

About Fiona Freund

As a photographer, Fiona Freund has shot the great, the good, and the glittery around the world for over 20 years. She has worked for Vogue, The Guardian and Observer magazines, Cancer Research, EMI, and more. More of her photography work here fionafreund.com more about CorporateQueer and other campaigning exhibitions at wearemoi.net