ABOUT THE PROJECT

Words Bare began over a decade ago as a personal, self-initiated project. I’m Mandy Barker, a Newcastle-based designer, and I created it to explore experiences within my own community.

I started with my own experiences, then began gathering stories from other LGBTQ+ people who had been judged, excluded or discriminated against for not conforming to society’s expectations of identity, gender and sexuality. I transformed these anonymous stories into bold typographic artworks, which were exhibited across the North East.

The project was a reminder that behind every headline, stereotype and statistic is a person. More than a decade later, much has changed—but many of these conversations remain just as important.

Words Bare is now re-emerging, exploring what has changed, what hasn’t, what kind of queer future we want to create, and what the projects next chapter could become.

The next chapter will continue collecting the stories that so often go unheard. Stories of challenge and resilience. Of joy and belonging. Of fear, hope, identity and self-discovery. Stories that remind us that no two experiences are the same, yet so many emotions are shared.

I believe storytelling has the power to change perspectives. It helps us move beyond assumptions, creates empathy and builds understanding between people whose lives may look very different on the surface.

Whether you're reflecting on something that happened years ago, sharing an experience you're living through today, or celebrating the people and moments that helped shape who you are, your story matters.

There is no right way to tell it. It doesn't need to be polished or complete. You can share as much or as little as you feel comfortable with, and if you'd prefer to remain anonymous, you absolutely can.

Thank you for being part of the next chapter of Words Bare.

Stories don’t stop being important with time. If anything, they become even more valuable.