In February this year my local arts space, Focal Point Gallery asked me whether I'd like to mark LGBTQIA* history month with them. We held one of my dinner debates and from this we learnt that many queer and trans* folk in our town felt they lacked a sense of community, of visibility.

‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’ is a new temporary commission by Southend-based artist Scottee that marks fifty years since the partial decriminalisation of sex between men in England and Wales. Installed on both sides of the railway bridge spanning the width of Southend High Street, the commission will be visible for half a mile along the town’s main thoroughfare.

Focal Point Gallery is pleased to present ‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’, a temporary public artwork commissioned specifically for Southend High Street’s railway bridge by Southend-based artist Scottee. Installed on either side of the suspended metal bridge, the commission will be visible for a half mile along the town’s main thoroughfare.