May 13th, 2023LGBTIQA+ ‘swag of events’

Words: Donna Kelly | Image: Contributed

The experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex queer and asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities across Central Victoria are being highlighted through a swag of events supported by the state government.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing says the activities in Castlemaine, including
an art exhibition, an evening with a legendary entertainer and a podcast launch, were
an opportunity to learn more about Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ communities.
An exhibition at the Castlemaine Art Museum (CAM), David Rosetzky: Air to
Atmosphere, explores the diversity, resilience, and pride of LGBTIQA+ communities
in Central Victoria.
Commissioned by CAM, artist David Rosetzky has collaborated with members of
LGBTIQA+ communities on Dja Dja Wurrung Country to bring together a major
body of work, which features photography, filmmaking, performance, publishing,
music, song and choreography.
The government has contributed $6750 through its Pride Events and Festivals
Fund towards the event, which opened in late March and will run until September.
A grant of $6930 was also provided through the Pride Events and Festivals Fund
to Vintage Drag in Mint Condition – An Evening with Stan Munro on April 29.
There was also a launch of the second series of the Pride Across the Ages Podcast
created by the team from community radio station MainFM’s Queer and Now
program.
Ms Shing said the government was proud to support events that tell the stories
of LGBTIQA+ people across Victoria. “Events like this matter to visibility, dignity,
pride and safety and they tackle the stigma and vilification so often experienced by
LGBTIQA+ people.”
LGBTIQA+ Communities commissioner Todd Fernando (pictured above) said regional pride
events were “fantastic opportunities for LGBTIQA+ people across the state to
express joy in who they are, come together with their partners, families and friends
as supportive communities and for allies to continue learning and showing their
support”.