A Barnsley story
Born but not bred
Born in Barnsley to a first-generation immigrant parent known as “Spanish Gema,” made my experience growing up here always felt a little different.
Coming from a Muslim household, I often felt ashamed to admit the real reason I didn’t eat a bacon butty or sausage roll. It wasn’t because I was allergic (which I would often tell people) but because it was considered haram in our religion.
This was a secret I kept for a long time, until my mam began practicing more openly, partly due to the prejudices Muslims face in Barnsley.
I wanted to photograph my mam in a traditional abaya around our village and at home to show that, although we’re not “bred” here, both me and my brother were born n raised here, and my mam has made this town her home.
Despite the hardships we’ve faced with experiencing racism and xenophobia, Barnsley will always be a place filled with some of the warmest, kindest, and funniest people, who have shaped me into who I am today.
Massive thank you to
@sambatley and
@spencer__hughes for setting up this project and shining a light on Tarn’s beautiful creative side! 🤩
P.s this was my 1st time using a disposable camera :0
