Pride Month | Photography student shares stories of queer people of colour

Paris Tankard, a final year BA (Hons) Photography student at the University of South Wales, is helping to tell the stories of queer people of colour with a collection of portraits.

Entitled Come as we are (not as they want us), the 21-year-old focuses on people from across the UK in the photographs, alongside in-depth interviews about their lives and experiences.

“This project is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” said Paris, who is originally from London and now lives in Cardiff.

“Growing up, I never really saw anyone on TV or in films who was like me. You would often see a gay character, but they’d never be black. I just didn’t feel seen.

“Things have changed for the better now, but there’s still a way to go.

"The main goal was to bring all these people together, to tell their story to the world.”

Paris posted on Instagram asking for volunteers for the project, and was inundated with messages from people who wanted to be involved.

When it came to arranging photoshoots, Paris asked their subjects to choose a location that meant a lot to them.

“I wanted the images to reflect who the person was, and who they wanted to be,” they added.

“Having the opportunity to interview them was such a powerful experience. I realised that they were sharing so much with me; they were trusting me despite the fact we’d just met. Being able to give them this chance to be represented, perhaps for the first time, was so rewarding.

“I’d love to continue this project after graduating. I’ve had such fulfilment from it; I feel as if I’m helping my past self, as well as other people, to accept who they are and be proud.

“Meeting so many people has meant that I’ve made some fantastic connections in the industry too. During COP26 last November, I was asked by Greenpeace to take photos at one of their demonstrations, which was a great experience.

“My project was actually the first time I’d tried portraiture photography, and it has become my favourite style to work in.

"I’ve been able to help people share the positives and negatives of being members of the LGBT+ community, which I feel is an important part of working towards a tolerant, inclusive society.”

Paris has also achieved success in the AoP (Association of Photographers) Student Awards, where they received the Best in Show award and a Gold Award in the People category, for their striking self-portrait.