In 2026, Gaze continues to make a strong statement for queer visibility in photography

Gaze is an activist cultural project—rooted in Germany yet internationally open—created by and for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Through an annual open call, Gaze invites participants to make queer lived realities visible through photography, preserve stories, and create spaces for dialogue and intergenerational exchange. Gaze combines a photo contest, educational programs, and an exhibition into a shared platform for artistic expression, political self-assertion, and community empowerment. In this context, photography is understood as an act of resistance and a tool for self-empowerment.

Launched in 2025, Gaze enters its second round this year—and is expanding: invitations are now extended not only to photographers from Germany but also to those from across Europe and the UK.

Under the title “HOW/TO GATHER – Queer Communities in Photography,” Gaze 2026 places queer lived realities, forms of community, care, and “chosen families” at the center of its focus. The submission period runs from June 15 to August 31, 2026.

Photography as a Medium for Queer Self-Empowerment

Since the dawn of photography in the late 19th century, queer people have used the camera to present themselves and others as they wished to be seen. This is a long-standing tradition, spanning everything from early studio portraits and protest photography to highly staged imagery. While the depiction of queer lives and intimacy was once intended for only a select few, artistic engagement with queerness has today evolved into a public, political act. A key focus is also bringing queer photographic records from the past back into the collective memory. Above all, the primary goal is to demonstrate that queer people have always existed—and to document their existence for future generations.

Gaze builds upon this legacy. Who looks at us, and how? And what does it mean when we present ourselves as we see ourselves—when we gather our images and recognize one another? This is how a queer archive emerges, offering a counterweight to the often distorted way we are perceived from the outside.

The tremendous response to last year’s inaugural issue of Gaze demonstrated the relevance of this approach and the potential of the photographic medium to foster visibility and acceptance for the queer community.

Gaze 2026: Queer solidarity as a source of courage and resistance

Under the title “HOW/TO GATHER — Queer Communities in Photography”, Gaze 2026 is seeking photographic works that explore queer spaces, forms of community, care, and so-called chosen families.

With “HOW/TO GATHER,” this year we focus on queer spaces as places of gathering where identities can unfold freely and develop in all their diversity. We are interested in relationships that exist beyond heteronormative and patriarchal structures: What do friendship, romantic love, and family mean outside these norms? What happens when queer communities are under threat, when access to queer spaces is limited, and when the free expression and development of one’s identity is not possible?

Key Infos at a Glance

Submission period: June 15 – August 31, 2026

The open call is aimed at individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and reside or are primarily based in the EU or the UK. Participants may submit 1 to 5 individual photos or a series of up to 5 photos taken within the last five years.

Gaze will award three prizes in 2026:

National Prize: For participants who reside in Germany or have their primary residence there. 1st place receives €1,000 MPB Voucher

International Prize: Open to participants residing in Europe and the UK. 1st place receives €1,000 MPB Voucher

Audience Award: The Audience Award is independent of the jury; the community votes on a shortlist. 1st places receives €500 MPB Voucher

The winning entries will be featured in an exhibition in Berlin in winter 2026 (date to be announced).

Sponsor

MPB is the exclusive sponsor of this year’s Gaze Photo Awards. As Europe’s leading camera reseller, MPB is committed to promoting circularity in photography and supporting creative communities. Winners will receive vouchers to spend on MPB-approved used gear.

The Team behind Gaze

Nadja Brendel (she/they) has been campaigning for queer visibility for over 20 years. After graduating in print and media technology and training as a media designer, she founded the agency Vielformat in 2014, which focusses on LGBTQIA+ issues in marketing strategies.

Sasha Weber (they/them) studied education, sinology and visual communication, has been working as an illustrator since 2016 and in graphic design and communication since 2021. Judith is part of the collective Reiberei, which pursues a discrimination-sensitive, collaborative and sustainable design practice.

Han Vogel (they/he) studied art history and photography theory. After working at the Berlinische Galerie, Han has been working as a freelance curator and artist since 2022, focussing on queer identities, bodies and power structures.

Submission period: June 15 – August 31, 2026

Exhibition: Winter 2026 (date tba)