Project Uncut: A Celebration of Queer Joy

February is just around the corner, which means LGBTQ+ History Month is starting up, and Brighton is kicking things off with a significant new exhibition right on the coast. It’s titled Project Uncut: A Celebration of Queer Identity & Joy, and it represents the latest work from the award-winning local photographer Chris Jepson. If you’re planning your calendar, this exhibition runs for nearly a month, starting on February 9, 2026, and continuing through to March 8, 2026. The location is one of the most visible spots in the city: The Seafront Gallery. This is the dedicated outdoor gallery space situated right next to the iconic Brighton i360, specifically located at 54 Kings Road.

The core idea behind Project Uncut is to showcase moments of 'queer joy, pride, and self-acceptance.' Jepson has captured striking portraits alongside first-person stories from over 50 individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community. The goal is to offer a positive and affirming look at identity, highlighting personal narratives that focus on self-acceptance rather than struggle. Since it’s an outdoor exhibition, it’s easily accessible to everyone passing by the seafront, whether you are part of the community or simply interested in exploring contemporary queer culture and history.

Accessibility was clearly a priority for the project team, which is why the exhibition is completely FREE to view. This commitment to public access is supported by the project's strong community roots. Project Uncut was successfully brought to life through a dedicated crowdfunding campaign that raised £2,000. Furthermore, the initiative has received official backing from several key local organizations, including the Brighton & Hove City Council, the Pride Community Foundation, and Brighton & Hove Buses. Knowing that the display is both community-funded and locally supported adds a meaningful layer of context to the celebration of identity being shared publicly on the seafront this month.