MTV and All Out Launch International LGBTQ+ Photography Competition

May 27, 2021 at 09:06 AM EDT

Renowned jury of artists to select photographers recording the journey of LGBT+ communities through the COVID-19 pandemic

Winners to be announced at Pride 2021 events around the globe including on ViacomCBS screens in Times Square

Hi-res images HERE

MTV has partnered with All Out, a global movement for love and equality, on an international LGBT+ photography award. The competition runs on three themes that track the lives and experiences of LGBT+ people through the pandemic: Resisting, Supporting and Healing. Winners will be announced on June 28 - Pride Day.

MTV and All Out have convened a renowned jury of leading photographers from across the globe to judge the competition. Those submitting can earn cash prizes as well as the opportunity to have their photos featured on Pride Day on the ViacomCBS screens in Times Square, New York City, at World Pride Copenhagen, and at exhibition spaces across the world.

“Not since the AIDS pandemic has the LGBT+ community been attacked and scapegoated at such record levels as we are seeing during COVID-19,” said Chris McCarthy, President, MTV Entertainment Group. “We at MTV Entertainment stand against all forms of hate and are proud to partner with All Out to highlight the queer voices of resistance, solidarity and hope.”

“We expect pieces that will provide a moving, sometimes painful and sometimes hopeful insight into how our community has weathered this unprecedented storm,” said Matt Beard, Executive Director of All Out.

Photo submissions are due on Friday, June 11 by 11:59pm and can be uploaded HERE.

In many countries around the world, LGBT+ people continue to face a disproportionate impact from COVID-19. Dependence on the informal economy and pre-existing health vulnerabilities, particularly HIV, are all combining to leave queer communities horribly exposed. All this comes on top of existing challenges of marginalization, discrimination and violence that queer communities were already facing. The competition will document these struggles, as well as the precious moments of global solidarity that have provided support and the healing since the health crisis began.

All Out is a global movement for love and equality. The organization works towards a world in which nobody has to sacrifice their family, freedom, safety or dignity because of who they are or who they love.