The Fearless Project has arrived at Eastern Michigan University’s Rec/IM for the month of October. The Fearless Project is a photography exhibition displaying photographs of LGBT high school and college student athletes. The Fearless Project is well traveled and has been displayed around the world including the 2012 London Olympics.
The photographs are more than just a picture. “There’s a story behind every picture,” said Professor Michael Tew, Director of the Study of Equality and Human Rights. Professor Tew has been studying the LGBT community since grad school. His own personal experience sparked his interest.
The athletes that are photographed “demonstrate a particular confidence in themselves,” said Professor Tew. It takes a very brave and strong person to put him or herself out there on a national level.
Although the athletes faced bullying and criticism from their peers, they had a group of teammates standing beside them. The beauty of a true team is the team sticks together and stands by one of it’s own.
One may expect that the teammates would treat the athlete different because of their sexual orientation but the opposite occurred in every athlete’s story. Michael Tew attributes it to “the developmental process, young people with young teammates.”
The athletes are saying “This is who I am.” A variety of sports are represented. Not only can you see the LGBT pictures, you can read a few of their stories on coming out to their teams.
“I hope the Fearless Project inspires people to accept people for who they are,” said Tew. “There’s a wider acceptance of LGBT community than we think.”
Jeff Sheng, a photographer, created the project in 2003 based on his experience as being a high school athlete in the closet. The project quickly expanded after its creation. In 2012, the project began to include videos. LGBT athletes are able to submit their videos sharing their stories via fearlessproject.org. You can also get more information there as well. To see more of Jeff Sheng’s photography and learn more about him visit jeffsheng.com.
The exhibit is only images but they speak volumes. There is no hidden agenda being pushed. It’s more than being LGBT. It’s about being open about who you are and having enough confidence in yourself to accept it. They might be LGBT but they are still athletes like every other straight athlete with a love for sports.
The Fearless Project is being sponsored by the Center for the Study of Equality and Human Rights. The Center for the Study of Equality and Human Rights’ focus is eliminating homophobia while promoting research on LGBT issues, equality, and human rights.
For more information on the Center for the Study of Equality and Human Rights visit emich.edu/equality, call (734) 487-3032, or stop by their office located at 329 King Hall.
