Global creative platform Shutterstock and It Gets Better Project, the non-profit dedicated to uplifting, empowering and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth around the globe, have joined forces to challenge LGBTQ+ visual stereotypes.
The partnership aims to better represent the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community; while helping to educate the media and advertising industries about the power of diverse photography, both in front of and behind the camera. Additionally, a $10,000 grant has been established to advance representation within LGBTQ+ content; and support LGBTQ+ creators by highlighting their diverse experiences, perspectives and perceptions in a way that’s authentically illustrated in their art.
“We are delighted to partner with Shutterstock by providing key findings that will influence content decisions made by marketers and advertisers; so that members of the LGBTQ+ community are represented authentically,” commented Jimmy Ancheta-Tilley Jr, Development Manager of the It Gets Better Project. “After listening to members of the LGBTQ+ community, we have identified areas where certain stereotypes prevail; and we look forward to working with Shutterstock to support the community in a more inclusive way.”
SEEKING AUTHENTIC REPRESENTATION
To affect meaningful change in this area, Shutterstock identified the top searched for images for LGBTQ+ thanks to a recent poll, completed by members of the It Gets Better community. The poll determined whether these visuals and search terms accurately represented the personal experiences of the LGBTQ+ community. Key findings revealed that 40.1% of respondents felt that they weren’t represented as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. When asked which LGBTQ+ communities needs more representation, the top three responses were:
- Trans bodies and the Trans experience (81.8%)
- LGBTQ+ people of colour (76.3%)
- Non-binary bodies and the non-binary experience (71.6%)
When looking for representations of LGBTQ+ people of colour, the top three stories and images this community would like to see shared include:
- Day-to-day life (66.1%)
- Raising a family (52.4%)
- Positive/uplifting moments (51.9%)
The top three locations where respondents would like to see more LGBTQ+ representation include:
- Family events (70.4%)
- Casual group settings (64.6%)
- Workplaces (64.2%)
“We are thrilled to partner with the It Gets Better Project to support LGBTQ+ artists, and help the media and advertising industries visualise stories that accurately represent and validate the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people,” stated Meeckel Beecher, Global Head of DE&I at Shutterstock. “At Shutterstock, providing content that is inclusive and representative of the different backgrounds, perspectives and opinions of communities around the world is core to who we are.”
GLOBAL GRANTS
The new $10,000 grant will be awarded in three prizes: a first prize of $5,000, with second and third prize each receiving $2,500. LGBTQ+ artists including photographers, videographers, illustrators, 3D artists or writers are encouraged to apply. Applicants must submit a project proposal, examples of their work, and a short biography by 5 pm EST on 3 September 2021 to be considered for the three grants. Applicants are encouraged to outline how their submitted projects will add to the narrative of the LGBTQ+ perspective. Grant recipients will be selected by a diverse panel of expert judges who are knowledgeable in the various genres of grants that Shutterstock is offering. All artists selected for a grant will be provided an outlet to license their work, either via Shutterstock, Shutterstock Editorial, Premium Beat or OFFSET.
The Create Fund, a $300,000 artist grant, was established by Shutterstock in December 2020; to fill content gaps and further diversity and inclusion within its content library and contributor network, as reported. It also launched ‘Through Their Eyes,‘ fund on International Women’s Day 2021. This included a $10,000 grant to champion underrepresented female and non-binary creators; and their creative projects across photography, visual journalism, videography, illustration, 3D modelling and writing, as reported. To learn more about the partnership with the It Gets Better Project, click here.
Recent research from Getty Images and GLAAD also revealed that visual representation of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide remains ‘inauthentic’ and ‘stereotypical’. Click here to read more.
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