Queer lives, stories and experiences are taking centre stage in Gozo this week as a new outdoor photography exhibition opens in the heart of Victoria.UNAPOLOGETIC, a photography exhibition by Ana Hastie presented by LGBTI+ Gozo, opened at Villa Rundle Gardens Friday 28th August, as part of Gozo Pride 2026: Pride Without Permission.Running until 12th September, the exhibition will feature a series of intimate black-and-white portraits depicting members of Gozo’s diverse LGBTI+ community alongside allies.And at its heart is one seemingly simple question: What does it mean to live unapologetically?Through portraits and the personal stories accompanying them, the exhibition explores what it means to exist without apology, love without fear and live authentically without seeking approval from others.The people featured bring different experiences of identity, belonging, visibility, migration, allyship and community, with particular attention given to the realities of LGBTI+ life on a small island.The location of the exhibition is also an important part of its message.Rather than placing queer stories within a designated LGBTI+ space, the portraits will be displayed in the very public surroundings of Villa Rundle Gardens, allowing them to become part of everyday life in Victoria.According to LGBTI+ Gozo, this is particularly significant given that legal advances in LGBTI+ equality do not necessarily mean everyone experiences the same level of acceptance, visibility or belonging.On an island where communities and social networks can be particularly close, living openly can come with its own challenges.At the same time, the exhibition will reflect Gozo’s increasingly international community, including LGBTI+ people who have chosen to make the island their home because they view it as a welcoming and safe place.Allies will also feature prominently, recognising the role of people outside the LGBTI+ community who choose to support equality and create space for others.UNAPOLOGETIC forms part of this year’s wider Gozo Pride theme, “Pride Without Permission”, built around the idea that nobody should require permission to exist, love or simply be themselves.An online version of the exhibition launched on LGBTI+ Gozo’s website on 29th August, allowing the portraits and stories to live beyond the physical exhibition.Prints may also be made available for sale, with a percentage of proceeds supporting LGBTI+ Gozo’s free counselling programme.UNAPOLOGETIC will remain on display until 12th September.Share with someone who would be interested!•