Invisibility is a weight that often falls on the shoulders of those who have walked longer, especially if their path has been different. In the heart of Barcelona, the LGTBI Center becomes a beacon of light for those silenced stories, hosting “Present Bodies”, a photographic exhibition that invites us to look, listen and reflect on old age within the LGTBIQ+ community.
From September 9 to October 17, with free admission, this exhibition opens the doors to a universe of realities and experiences. Have we ever stopped to think about the challenges and joys of growing older as part of the LGTBIQ+ community? “Present Bodies” offers us that opportunity.
A journey through the Enllaç Foundation
The exhibition is the result of deep and sensitive work that brings us closer to the users and volunteers of the Fundació Enllaç, a Barcelona entity dedicated to accompanying LGTBIQ+ seniors. It is not just a series of photographs; It is a visual and narrative testimony of an intangible heritage that deserves to be known and valued.
The visual artist Felipe Robles, with his sharp gaze, has captured the essence of the protagonists and the spaces they inhabit. Its images, full of strength and tenderness, are complemented by interviews conducted by Adri Bartolomé, volunteer and psychology student. Together, they have woven a tapestry of unique stories that reveal the diversity, resilience and challenges overcome by these people.
View this post on Instagram
Breaking the silence: LGTBIQ+ old age in the foreground
Old age, in any context, often faces invisibility. But within the LGTBIQ+ community, this life stage can be even more unexplored and, at times, lonely territory. “Present Bodies” was born with the intention of breaking that silence, of putting the importance of making LGTBIQ+ older people visible in society.
It is an invitation to recognize that life goes on, that love persists and that identity strengthens with the passage of time. What can we learn from those who have blazed a trail, faced prejudice, and built their own families and support networks? How can we ensure that all members of the LGTBIQ+ community age with dignity and recognition?
Dialogue and reflection: a round table to continue exploring
To delve deeper into these issues, on October 6, the LGTBI Center of Barcelona will host a round table with members of the Fundació Enllaç. It will be a unique opportunity to hear first-hand some of the life stories shown in the exhibition, as well as testimonies and a detailed explanation about the valuable work carried out by the organization.
This activity complements the exhibition, offering a space for dialogue and collective reflection. It is one more step to understand and support a fundamental part of our community that, with its “present bodies”, reminds us of the richness of experience and the importance of building a more inclusive future for all.
