Faith, identity & queerness at Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral is set to host the Queer Religion photography exhibition by award-winning photographer Frances Marshall, a thought-provoking collection that spotlights and celebrates openly queer leaders in religious communities.

The exhibition, which runs from 9 to 16 February during cathedral opening hours, aims to challenge perceptions and encourage conversation around two traditionally contrasting subjects - faith and queerness.

Frances Marshall, who identifies as a queer atheist, seeks to highlight individuals who have navigated the complexities of being openly queer within monotheistic religions. The collection provides a rare and intimate look at figures who have worked to create safe and affirming spaces within historically queerphobic institutions.

Marshall explains the inspiration behind the project: “Religion is more than belief, it’s power and it’s influence. That influence affects all of us regardless of your own belief. Criticism does not change things, neither does invalidation. So how do we walk this tightrope?”

Among the prominent figures featured in the exhibition are:

• Fr. Jarel Robinson Brown, a Black queer Christian, who shares: “Black Queer Christian identity has taught me not just to exist but to thrive, as me, as the person God made me to be – it has gifted me spaces of deep belonging amongst chosen family who, each in their way, rock my soul, carry my griefs and share my joys!”

• Shaira Choudhury, a Muslim and co-founder of TransActivismUK, who expresses: “Queerness in Religion is as innate to faith as love is, where love is the foundation of our faith. My queerness and faith as a Muslim and my love for Allah and all creation are one and the same.”

• Rabbi Mark Solomon, who states: “Without a bit of queerness, religion can grow rigid and sour. Queer people and perspectives offer renewal, an opening out to those who would otherwise turn away. The ultimate queerness we can approach is the divine, the totally other which is also the elusive meaning within ourselves.”

As part of the exhibition’s run, Frances Marshall will also be the guest speaker for February’s In Conversation With... event on 9 February, providing deeper insight into the themes explored in their work.

For more information about the exhibition, visit Frances Marshall’s website.