Joss Copeman’s work is centred around queer politics, the self and received notions of sexuality in post-capitalist society. Section 28, part of the Local Government Act enacted in 1988, was legislation that criminalised the promotion of homosexuality; a law that was designed to invalidate gay men and their experience of life. Born in 2002, the year before Section 28 was repealed, Copeman grew up in the shadow of the legislation. Section 28’s legacy is one of shame, naturally lending itself to self-destructive behaviours. 21 years aims to rupture the confines of this shame and instead promote sex positivity. Copeman explores the extent of these feelings within the norms of everyday experiences and the ways in which we choose to present ourselves, embedded within much deeper sentiments of the self such as loneliness, disgust and embarrassment.
