Intersectional Self-Presentation in Roma LGBTQ+ Communities is a photography exhibition that brings together queer individuals to create something that can better represent the community.

In this project, we can see that people are tired of being in the shadows or being perceived as "the bad guy." Owning the game - bossing the game - in itself means they can do what they want without having to feel guilty or worried about themselves. Owning the game gives other people the courage to stand out and be themselves. It's a powerful project with a powerful message and if you're interested in seeing more of the project, you can click here: https://www.facebook.com/romalgbtq

It's an exhibition on LGBTQ+ Roma people, focusing on a visual narrative in which the characters are beautiful, strong and through this dignified portrayal can help Roma LGBTQ+ people who have not participated in this project.

The aim of the exhibition was for members of the Roma community to create both photographic and video content about themselves - along with poems and other writings to represent them. Joci

says: "I feel that we need visual material like this so that when a young Roma person who is part of the LGBTQ+ community sees it in a magazine or online, they understand that there are people in the Roma community who are setting a positive example and it can help them in their journey of self-discovery. It is a motivating and empowering project."

Social gender, gender identity and gender self-expression were inevitable themes and are strongly reflected in the visuals and text.

Joci Márton is behind the project and has been speaking out on social media about Roma issues and the problems of LGBTQ+ people. He is open about it and is not afraid to say what he thinks. It doesn't matter to him if it's against right-wing Hungarian politicians who are extremely queerphobic and racist, but also against any phobia that is associated with Roma people or LGBTQ+ people.

The visual representation of Roma is quite problematic, according to Joci: "When we don't represent ourselves, it's not up to us to decide how people portray us. When they write about Roma, they usually use photos where you see, for example, a Roma standing in front of a crumbling house or a particularly dirty gas stove. There is always a background that strongly controls the whole story." Therefore, the aim of the project was to break the "tradition" of lamentation and victimisation and instead show proud, strong and positive people in a way we have not seen before for Roma and LGBTQ+ people.