Photography Exhibition 'Living in Limbo: Lesbian Families in the Deep South' Opens March 30 at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the spirit of opening eyes, minds and hearts to the value of diversity, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute will host Living in Limbo: Lesbian Families in the Deep South.

The photography exhibition is designed to encourage a public dialogue about inclusion and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement. Opening on March 30 at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the photographs will remain on view through June 11, 2012.

"Art is a powerful way to initiate a conversation about social issues," says exhibition creator and photographer Carolyn Sherer. "My vision for Living in Limbo is for people to see that family, love and commitment are the same for everyone. I hope these photographs will add to the current community dialogue about social and legal changes that would allow lesbian families to love who they love without fear of reprisal."

Living in Limbo is the first art exhibition displayed on the walls of the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute that features lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families in the Deep South. The collection of 40 family portraits includes lesbian couples facing the camera or looking away, depending on each woman's comfort level with public acknowledgement. Couples with children chose to be photographed with or without them. The portrait subjects form a broad palette of race, age and socio-economic groups.

An award-winning photographer and Alabama artist, Sherer dedicates the exhibition to lesbian couples who opted not to be photographed – loving families who were afraid to participate due to their fear of consequences. She also honors those who were photographed, often despite the fear of consequences.

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Living in Limbo: Lesbian Families in the Deep South is a historic, educational exhibition that challenges viewers to open their eyes, minds and hearts to lesbian families in the Deep South. Supported in part by the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Southern Poverty Law Center and Birmingham Museum of Art, the exhibition provides insights into families who fully deserve, but do not enjoy, social and legal equality. The powerful images and accompanying essays invite viewers to envision a world without prejudice and discrimination, a world that celebrates commitment, family and inclusion for everyone – a world without limbo. www.livinginlimbo.org

CONTACT: Julie Wall, +1-205-824-7634, [email protected]

SOURCE Living in Limbo