Sarah Taylor
“My queerness isn’t something I perform or explain — it’s something I live. It’s the feeling of being at home in myself, of standing calmly and confidently in my truth, even when the world doesn’t always reflect it back to me.
Sitting in the chair, I felt a strong, bold, rooted energy rising in me — a part of my identity I don’t always show. The clothes I wore were chosen to express that part of myself, and it felt empowering and liberating to step into.
I’ve learned that taking up space doesn’t have to be loud. Sometimes it’s soft, grounded, embodied, and joyful. Sometimes it’s a quiet decision to be seen without editing or apology.
This portrait holds that moment — where strength and softness meet. Where queer joy isn’t polished or proved, but felt. A reminder that belonging is something we build — in ourselves and with each other.“
Sarah Taylor (she/her)
Sarah is a queer woman and community builder who has spent much of her life learning how to take up space without apology.
Her work centres queer wellbeing, visibility and justice. She runs Proud Wellness, a social enterprise created to challenge the harm LGBTQIA+ people still face in health and wellness spaces, and to build something inclusive, affirming and led by queer people themselves.
She believes queer joy is political.
She believes being truly seen can save lives.
She believes queer bodies, in all their complexity, softness, strength and history, deserve care, reverence and celebration.
For Sarah, being queer means living her truth. It is an unfurling of who she is, alongside an unlearning of who she was told to be.
She expresses her identity through her values and how she shows up. Her presence feels calm and grounded, with space for play and laughter. She stands confidently in rooms where queerness is not always centred, inviting others to live fully too.
Her message to her younger self and to queer kids growing up today:
You belong exactly as you are. You are so loved. Your joy, your voice, and your authentic identity are powerful. Seek out those who celebrate you, and embrace your community. Shine bright – you are always enough.
This is UNCUT — a raw, striking portrait series by award-winning photographer Chris Jepson capturing the power and pride of Queer Joy, shot in a barber’s chair. No filters, no retouching, no compromise. Just bold, beautiful people taking up space exactly as they are.