The Don’t You Want Me Project (DYWM) co-founded by artist Jack Jackson is on display at Bradford's Pet Valu until March 18,
The Don’t You Want Me Project is a social impact photography project that showcases the beauty and resilience of LGBTQ+ people, and the transformative impact their rescue dogs have on them. The exhibit includes six towers of compelling images and personal narratives of LGBTQ+ people and the impact their rescue dogs have had on them.
Bradford's Pet Valu is the first of four stops on the Canadian project tour. Johnson was in the store on Saturday to speak with BradfordToday about the project over the weekend and how it started.
“Like rescue dogs, queer and trans people need love, purpose, family and to not live in fear,” said Jackson. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to travel across Canada with Don’t You Want Me; I look forward to chatting with visitors about the project and what happens when love is taken away, whether it’s by discrimination, isolation or ignorance and how people thrive when love is given back.”
The Don’t You Want Me Project captures the transformation that happens when marginalized and often misunderstood individuals receive unconditional love and support.
"It was really born out of my own experience," Jackson told BradfordToday.
It was love that brought Jackson to Canada in 2012 from a small island on the English Channel. Shortly after arriving is when he found his passion for the camera, capturing dogs, fashion and the queer and trans community.
"I worked at a job I didn't love for 20 years of my life and I had this opportunity to do something I really loved," he said. "I feel like I'm making up for lost time."
Jackson has his own boxer pup, Jet Jackson, who came into his life in 2017. At the time, Jackson was going through a difficult time of transphobia and was on the brink of homelessness when his friend saw an ad for the pup and urged Jackson to call.
"I was a mess...it was awful," he said. "I ended up getting Jet, and she changed everything."
It was Jet who was the inspiration for the DYWM project.
Around three years ago, fellow photographer and dog rescue advocate Deb Klein and Jackson connected on social media where the idea for the project was born.
"We combined our interests and it really kind of took off," said Jackson.
Jackson put a call out on social media looking for dog owners part of the LGBTQ+ community. He says it was difficult finding people based on the narrow criteria, but with the support of Pet Valu and the cross country tour, he is now meeting people from all over, eager to share their stories.
"And now I have this opportunity to travel across the country and find more people to participate in more stories," said Jackson. "I think it's an effective way of making change."
“We are excited and very proud to host the Don’t You Want Me Project and we encourage everyone to come in and experience the exhibit for themselves,” said Jennifer Pegg, co-owner Pet Valu Bradford. “The Don’t You Want Me Project showcases the unconditional love, compassion and non-judgemental nature that is embodied in dogs, and how the strength and purpose they provide can help members of the LGBTQ+ community heal. The exhibit elicits a lot of emotions. It’s definitely worth visiting.”
Pegg co-owns the Bradford location with parents Liz and Bob Pegg.
When Head Office put a call out for stores to take part, the Pegg family was quick to show their interest in hosting the exhibit.
"When we got chosen, we were so flabbergasted and honoured," said Pegg. "It was really exciting to be part of this."
She loved reading all the stories and seeing all the pictures included in the project, highlighting the special bond of unconditional love between pets and their owners.
"The people rescued the animal, but the animal turned around and rescued them instead," she said.
Following its visit to Bradford, the Don’t You Want Me Project will travel to Vancouver in late March, Winnipeg in April, Spryfield NS in May, and Calgary and St. Catharines, ON in June. In each city, the project will be displayed in a Pet Valu store. Admission is free, although those who wish can make a donation online to Don’t You Want Me.
"We were looking for an opportunity to get Jack and his message out," said Alison Preiss, senior integrated marketing manager with Pet Valu Canada.
When asked why Bradford was chosen to be part of the tour, Preiss said it was the owners.
"They are so involved in their community and it shows," said Preiss. "At Pet Valu we are all about nurturing the relationship between pets and their devoted pet lovers. Seeing Jack's project, we thought this is amazing and this is exactly the kind of thing we want to support."
During each stop on the national tour, Jackson is meeting with new participants and capturing their stories to share through the DYWM project. Anyone who identifies as being part of the LGBTQ+ community, has rescued a dog and has experienced firsthand how their dog changed their life is encouraged to apply to participate.
The display at Bradford Pet Valu will be up until March 18.
Pet Valu Bradford is located at 442 Holland St. West.
