Across a series of cold winter evenings in December 2024, photographer Marge Bradshaw laced up her football boots and joined Liverpool Trans and Enby FC at their training sessions to capture players’ stories and experiences at the grassroots club.
Through documentary, portrait and alternative process photography, her approach amplifies the voices of trans and non-binary players who are typically under-represented in football narratives. By working closely with the club and with care, the exhibition positively represents LGBTQ+ footballers and aims to foster greater understanding and inclusion.
Marge Bradshaw said “I proposed working with Liverpool Trans and Enby FC as I wanted to amplify the voices of trans and non-binary footballers, who are typically under-represented in football narratives. At a time when trans people face increasing hostility and discrimination, it feels more urgent than ever to create space for their stories to be seen and heard. By closely producing this work with members of the club, we aim to positively represent LGBTQ+ footballers and foster greater understanding and inclusion.”
Whilst participants’ stories are shared through portrait and documentary photography (and text), the artist has also used alternative, sustainable photographic processes in their work.
Level Playing Field is a creative commission that responds to the 2024 project ‘Going to the Match On Tour’. Supported by The Lowry, Salford, Arts Council England, The Law Family Charitable Foundation and the Sir Bobby Charlton Foundation.
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About Marge Bradshaw
Marge Bradshaw is a socially engaged professional photographer and artist interested in people, place, and heritage. She uses a combination of documentary and environmental portrait photography to share the stories and lived experience of participants; typically giving a platform for voices that aren’t usually heard. Marge has worked with Open Eye Gallery Liverpool, RPS Gallery Bristol, Bolton Museum & Art Gallery, Warrington Contemporary Art Festival, HOME Manchester, Museums Northumberland, and the Science Museum London. Marge was shortlisted for the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain volume 6 and volume 7.
About Liverpool Trans and Enby FC
Liverpool Trans and Enby FC is a Liverpool-based football club ran for and by the trans community. All members of the LGBTQ+ community are welcome at training.
Image by Marge Bradshaw
12th February – 28th June 2025
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