In a celebration of inclusion and diversity in sports, the Consulate General of France will host a photo exhibition featuring “The Rougaroux,” New Orleans’ first LGBT+ and inclusive rugby team. The event will take place on Tuesday, June 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Résidence de France, located at 2406 Prytania St.
The exhibition, titled “ONE MORE GAME,” is the work of French-Algerian documentary photographer Camille Farrah Lenain. It is part of the global initiative “Sports Friendly” created by French photographer Emilien Buffard. Lenain’s intimate photographs capture the dynamic and supportive environment of The Rougaroux, highlighting personal testimonies from players about how joining the team has positively impacted their lives.
This exhibition is timed during Pride Month and ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympic Games, which will run from July 26 to September 8, 2024, under the slogan “Ouvrons grand les Jeux” (Games Wide Open). In line with France’s values of equality and inclusivity, the Games will feature the first-ever “Maison des Fiertés” (Pride House), celebrating underrepresented communities.
Through Lenain’s lens, “ONE MORE GAME” emphasizes the importance of sports as a space for personal expression and identity. The exhibition documents how The Rougaroux has become a safe haven for its members, fostering confidence, community, and growth. Lenain’s work challenges societal preconceptions and showcases the powerful role of inclusive sports teams in combating discrimination.
Camille Farrah Lenain, who relocated to New Orleans in 2013, has been recognized internationally for her work. She was the USA winner of the Leica Women Photo Prize in 2024, and her photographs have been exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and Les Rencontres d’Arles. Lenain’s work consistently explores themes of stereotypes, collective memory, and plural identities.
The exhibition is supported by Intervalle Capital, Villa Albertine, the Consulate General of France in New Orleans, and the Alliance Française of New Orleans. It will be on display at the Résidence de France throughout the summer, providing an extended opportunity for the public to engage with these compelling portraits and stories.
For those interested in attending the opening of “ONE MORE GAME,” the Consulate General of France encourages you to join them in celebrating the spirit of inclusivity and the transformative power of sports. the opening reception is open to the public and the exhibit will be on view at the Résidence de France through the summer.
