"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
"When I came out, I went from middle class rich kid to bum on the streets."
Ernst Coppejans Presents
The Virtual Exhibition
from the streets to the heart
See Their Humanity. Feel Their Struggle. Share Their Hope.
When was the last time you truly saw someone living on the streets? Not just glanced, but felt their story resonate within you?
For three years, I’ve roamed New York City, drawn to the shadows where 30 remarkable LGBTQIA+ individuals share their lives. My project, “from the streets to the heart,” seeks to unveil their often-overlooked stories.
Imagine feeling unheard and unseen, your existence overshadowed by the world. This exhibition honors their strength and resilience, challenging us to confront the perceptions that keep them hidden. By showcasing their true selves, we weave a tapestry of connection, inspiring change and understanding.
In seeing them, we might just discover a part of ourselves we’ve long forgotten.
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
“I want to explore what it's like to be a gay male that's not homeless, having a boyfriend, having someone to love me."
Why I Created This
In New York’s West Village, 33,000 people walked through this exhibition. They stopped. They stared. They cried. A mother came every day, whispering stories to her children, each face becoming someone familiar. People from all walks of life felt an unexpected tug—a reminder of how fragile we all are. That’s why I’m here, bringing their stories online, to cross oceans, to reach hearts, to remind each of us that when we look at others, we’re also searching for ourselves.
Real people, raw stories. This exhibition will shake the walls around your heart.
Your ticket does more than give you entry. It builds awareness, offering LGBTQIA+ homeless youth a path to hope.
See what strength looks like, turned not into stone but resilience.
Challenge your perspective. Change a life. Walk away seeing more than just faces.
What Awaits You
Step into this virtual gallery, where30 voices reach out from the shadows, breaking through thenoise of indifference. Eachstory, each face, each wordis a reminder: that within every life, there’s anocean waiting to be understood. You’llhear their voices,see their worlds,feel the depth of their humanity, and maybe—just maybe—find a part of yourselfreflected back.
Thisvirtual experienceisdifferent from traditional exhibitionsbecause it can beaccessed by anyone, no matter where they are. Itbreaks down geographical barriersand lets aworldwide audience connect with important stories.
Visitors can take their time exploring the exhibition, going back to the pieces and stories that speak to them, which helps them connect more personally with the art.
Answer
about the artist
As an artist and photographer, my experiences growing up as a gay child in a small southern town in the Netherlands shape my work. I faced bullying and isolation, but relocating to Amsterdam at 19 allowed me to live my authentic life.This journey inspired me to focus on the stories of marginalized groups. My photography aims to reveal the strength and beauty of those often ignored, encouraging important discussions about their lives. Each image reflects their resilience and diversity, challenging stereotypes and promoting positive change. My dedication to genuine storytelling inspires me to transform narratives on key social issues, creating understanding and connection through powerful visuals.