As we know, there are not often positive and healthy images of LGBT people portrayed in the media, neither are there many images of positive and helthy role models for those of us in our community who are just coming out or still questioning. We engaged in this endeavor to encourage LGBT Minnesotans to submit photos depicting their ideas of healthy living in our communities so that more of us will see positive role models that reinforce a more affirming narrative about us as individuals and as a larger community.

You can see the winning photos in our 2009 Photo Contest Gallery.

Our new photo contest website, launching with the contest in February, makes it easy to upload and submit your photos, as well as providing features like tracking the number of views and community votes on your photos. Contest photos will be accepted starting February 1, 2010.

Rules and Regulations for “Take a Bite out of This!: An LGBTQ Photo Contest.”

All images must be in .jpg format and have been taken within a 12-month period between March 1, 2009 and April 16th, 2010 by a self-identified LGBTQ person living in Minnesota. Photos may be submitted to RHI beginning February 1, 2010 until April 16th, 2010. Please submit images in as high a resolution as possible, at least 300 dpi, while restricting your maximum file size to 3 MB (3072 KB). All images must be uploaded online via our website, www.mntlc.org. Photos may be color or black & white. Photos may not be digitally altered. The entry submission form and the artist’s statement must accompany photos. Each participant can enter only one photo for each category, but participants can only win once.

Entries will be judged on:

1) the portrayal of LGBT persons living a healthy lifestyle 2) photo quality 3) composition 4) creativity 5) the artist’s statement about the image 6) the artist’s skill in capturing a moment.

Photos are evaluated based on both technical skill and artistic ability. A short statement (25-50 words) of the artist’s description of how the image portrays a healthy lifestyle must accompany each photo.

There will be two main submission categories, Amateur and Artist. In each, there will be separate sub-categories for judging:

1. Yummy and Delicious, but Good for You! (Healthy eating and nutrition)
2. Physical activity is FUN! (Exercise and being physical)
3. Healthy is Sexy!
4. Tobacco-free and Still Me!
5. Good Health Can Be Shared! (images indicating how you share your health with others)
6. Leave Me Alone, I’m Relaxing! (meditation, stress-free, relaxing images)

In the “Artist’s Statement” section please tell us any interesting information about where/how you took the image and describe what you believe it demonstrates in terms of conveying a healthy lifestyle, and which category it fits and why. You will be asked for your name, address, phone, and email. You are solely responsible for ensuring that you have full permission and release to use the depiction of any person(s), places, and things in the photo for this contest. These images will become the property of RHI/TLC after submission so that we may publish them.

PRIZES, PRIZES, PRIZES!

All winners will be published! All submissions may be published!

Grand Prize is $500. Additionally, there will be one winner of $100 and one runner up for $25 in each sub-category. A total of 25 chances to win!!!!

Entries must be uploaded by the extended deadline of April 16th, 2010. Questions? This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it