Pride is a Protest at Wales Millennium Centre
Within the heart of Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre, Jesse Henry’s exhibition Pride is a Protest stands as both an artistic declaration and a call to action. Against the backdrop of contemporary LGBTQ+ conversations, this installation challenges the notion that Pride is solely a celebration—reminding audiences of its deep roots in activism and resilience.
The Artist: Jesse Henry’s Journey to Self-Expression
Jesse Henry’s story is woven into the very fabric of his work. Raised in Dorset as part of the only Black family in his community, Henry faced the daily scrutiny of being visibly different. His artistic practice channels these lived experiences, translating personal and collective struggles into powerful visual narratives.
At the core of Pride is a Protest is a commitment to authenticity—Henry’s work captures the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals, bringing them into the conversation through carefully composed drawings based on real interactions.
The Art: A Collision of History and Identity
Bold, striking, and deeply layered, Henry’s exhibition uses a mix of black-and-white collage and bursts of Pride flag colors to frame the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The juxtaposition of archival protest imagery with modern reflections creates a dialogue between past and present—urging audiences to acknowledge the movement’s foundations while engaging with the battles still being fought today.
The flags that dominate the space serve as banners of resistance, much like those carried in protests around the world. Whether echoing the Stonewall riots or the struggles of queer communities across the UK, each piece is a testament to endurance and activism.
Pride as Protest: More Than a Celebration
At its core, this exhibition reinforces the idea that Pride is not simply a parade or festival—it is an ongoing struggle for visibility, rights, and acceptance. Through its visual storytelling, Pride is a Protest reminds audiences that LGBTQ+ liberation is not guaranteed, and that activism remains as necessary today as it was decades ago.
Henry’s choice to blend historical imagery with contemporary conversations speaks to a universal truth: Pride is an act of defiance. It is a rejection of silence and conformity, a declaration that LGBTQ+ lives deserve recognition and respect.
Wales Millennium Centre’s Commitment to Inclusion
As one of Wales’ most significant cultural institutions, Wales Millennium Centre has long championed diverse voices and perspectives. Hosting Pride is a Protest reinforces its dedication to inclusivity, ensuring LGBTQ+ narratives remain a visible and celebrated part of Welsh arts.
By giving space to artists like Jesse Henry, the Centre creates a platform for difficult, necessary conversations—offering audiences an opportunity to reflect, engage, and connect with the stories that shape our communities.
As visitors navigate Henry’s striking visuals and thought-provoking messages, they are invited to question, celebrate, and challenge. Pride is a Protest is more than an exhibition—it is a reminder that activism and art are deeply intertwined, that storytelling has the power to inspire change, and that Pride, at its heart, remains an act of resistance.