#bendigo pride

[qnewsau]

Bendigo inclusive flag mural repainted in time for IDAHOBIT

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/bendigo-inclusive-flag-mural-repainted-in-time-for-idahobit/

Bendigo inclusive flag mural repainted in time for IDAHOBIT

Bendigo’s Inclusive Pride Flag mural outside Town Hall is getting a touch-up. Repainted ahead of IDAHOBIT next week.

When the giant inclusive pride flag was revealed outside Bendigo Town Hall in 2022, it was a shining moment for the area’s LGBTQ+ community.

Unveiled ahead of Bendigo Pride, the then festival director John Richards felt it showed that Bendigo includes, respects and values the LGBTQ+ communities.

“I know a lot of people who grew up in Bendigo had a really rough time,” he told ABC News.

“It was hard to be queer here up until probably even 10 years ago.”

“Loads of people left for Melbourne because they had to.

“They couldn’t live their true lives here.

“Just seeing the reaction from a lot of those people on social media,

“The Town Hall having this flag in front of it.

“It’s really important to them.

“It’s really important to everyone.”

The huge mural was funded by the Council and painted by the street art collective Nacho Station.

But as the years have gone by, the mural has lost a bit of its shine due to tyre streaks as cars continue to do wheelies in front of the town hall.

At the opening of Bendigo Pride this year, Deputy Mayor Abhishek Awasthi announced the inclusive flag mural would be repainted.

“It’s just putting a new coat, refreshing it – and that’s a mark of welcoming everyone,” he said,

“It’s all about everyone feeling welcome, everyone feeling respected, and everyone feeling included in our community.”

Photo by Dean Arcuri

Time for a makeover.

Works repainting the mural have begun this week, refreshed in time for IDAHOBIT on the 17th May.

IDAHOBIT is the international day against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and intersex discrimination.

Held annually on 17th May, the anniversary of the World Health Organisation’s decision to remove homosexuality from its list of mental disorders in 1990.

“The mural is an important acknowledgment of and support for the LGBTQIA+ community,” said City Director of Strategy and Growth Steve Hamilton.

“The City soon became aware that the mural’s condition was an issue and needed to be addressed to meet quality standards for public artworks.”

The City of Greater Bendigo took to social media to share their excitement about the update.

“Our progress pride flag is getting a makeover,” the post said.

“To facilitate this project, Bull Street is fully closed for the duration of the works.”

“And Hargreaves Street will be limited to one-way, access-controlled traffic.”

“Both streets are expected to reopen to normal traffic by Friday, May 9th.”

“We appreciate your patience while we repaint the road”

As with posts like this on social media, there have been a mix of responses, including some negativity.

The council’s social media turned comments off on their post.

Visibility for those who feel isolated.

“It’s fantastic news that the Pride Progress mural outside the Bendigo Town Hall is being refreshed this week.” Bendigo local Teddy Transcendent said.

“Prominent, visual expressions of acceptance, support and allyship have never been more important, particularly in regional communities.”

“I am proud to have been involved in the creation of this mural.

“And proud of the wider Bendigo community for recognising the importance this mural has for Bendigo’s LGBTIQA+ community.

“As a celebration of our diversity and inclusivity.”

Thorne Harbour Country’s Zara Jones and Bendigo local reflected on when the mural was first revealed.

“John Richards did a lot of work to get the mural painted for the community in 2022 ahead of the Bendigo Pride Festival,” she said.

“To have it repainted and given new life, by the City in 2025 ahead of IDAHOBIT, is a welcome statement of inclusion and pride for our LGBTIQA+ community.”

“Not only does the flag serve as a tribute to the resilience and contributions of LGBTIQA+ elders and communities to Bendigo’s social and cultural life,

“But it encourages healthy conversations and learning,

“Particularly among people unfamiliar with the expanded symbolism of the Progress Pride Flag. 

“Public art of this scale can be photographed and shared around the world.

“Providing visibility for those who may feel isolated or unsupported.”

“As a community member and proud transwoman, I am grateful to the City for acknowledging the importance of this mural” Zara said,

“And the value it delivers in maintaining Bendigo as a welcoming and inclusive space for all people.”

Bull Street and Hargreaves Street are expected to reopen to normal traffic by Friday, May 9th.

Source: Facebook

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Bendigo Pride shines bright with inclusion, pride and joy

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/bendigo-pride-shines-bright-with-inclusion-pride-and-joy/

Bendigo Pride shines bright with inclusion, pride and joy

Bendigo Pride has wrapped months of pride festivals in Victoria with a weekend of inclusion, joy and community in Bendigo.

Community came together to celebrate and unite in Bendigo this weekend, as Bendigo Pride took place for another year.

While the festival received a lot of pushback on social media, that didn’t stop it from shining bright with a host of events over four days.

Glambassador Polly Filla told The Bendigo Advertiser that’s why the festival is needed at the Opening Flag Raising.

“In this political climate, things are rough. People are saying horrible things – not only online but in the media.”

“Why do you need to celebrate it? Why do you need a parade?” Polly said,

“To those people – that’s basically why we need it.”

“If you’re feeling a bit isolated or a little bit left out or awkward, there is a whole community here,

“Everyone from people your age through to much, much older people – we’re all here to support you.”

At the event, Deputy Mayor Abhishek Awasthi announced the huge inclusive flag mural outside Town Hall would be repainted.

First painted in 2022, it has lost some of its shine due to cars doing wheelies around it.

Mr Awasthi said it was time for a fresh coat of paint.

“It’s just putting a new coat, refreshing it – and that’s a mark of welcoming everyone,”

“It’s all about everyone feeling welcome, everyone feeling respected, and everyone feeling included in our community.”

Photo by Dean Arcuri

Welcoming all in our community

Bendigo’s own Premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, came to Pride in the Park to spend the day with the community.

“These events don’t happen by accident, they don’t happen overnight.”

“It is so important for our community to have this very public, visible presentation and representation,

“That Bendigo is a city of equality, a city of love, and that we will welcome and support everyone in our community.

Premier Allan recounted her experience growing up in Bendigo.

“There weren’t events like this. There just wasn’t.”

“That meant for people who might have needed a service, support or love,

“As they were going through their journey of coming out or exploring sexuality, there wasn’t the opportunity.

“They didn’t know where to turn to or where to get support or advice.

“Pride in the Park is a very powerful presentation of just how far we’ve come as a community, and as a society as a whole.

“We know that in some parts of the country and the world, events like this aren’t allowed to happen.

“That’s why it is important to reflect on how far we have come.”

Pride in the Park was filled with local community members plus people who had driven from Melbourne.

With Dykes on Bikes and families making the trip to be a part of the festivities.

“Younger people growing up will know Bendigo as a place where you will be supported along your journey.” Premier Allan said,

“Thank you for the opportunity to celebrate progress and pride in beautiful Bendigo.”

Photos by Dean Arcuri

A moment I would never forget.

An opportunity to celebrate your authentic self, the weekend saw families and friends gather together to celebrate what pride meant to them.

Saturday was a major day, starting with Drag Storytime hosted by Frock Hudson, Pride in the Park, an all-ages dance party and an 80s dance party and show.

A host of families gathered for Drag Storytime outside the Library early in the morning.

“It was such a great turnout and a lot of fun.” Frock Hudson said,

“It was an event that wasn’t just for the children or parents, but everyone who came to be a part of it.”

“When you have all ages enthralled by these inclusive stories, it is very special.

“And talking to parents at Pride in the Park, they were so proud to be there with their children.

“Seeing them enjoying themselves in a space where they could happily and proudly be themselves.”

The All Ages Dance Party was particularly special.

Taking place after Pride in the Park, young people had more time to be their authentic selves.

Broadcast live on JOY94.9 the hosts were in awe seeing young people dancing as nonbinary singer Adam Noviello performed their hit Heretic.

The joy they were experiencing travelled proudly through the community radio network.

“When I looked out at that crowd of queer youth all dancing and holding hands while I sang ‘Heretic’,” Adam told us,

“A song I wrote as an anthem for enby/trans folks, I knew I was in the midst of a moment I would never forget.”

“Seeing their elation, their comfort and their joy, in that moment, made everything I do as an artist all worth it.”

Utter joy in the air.

‘Bendigo Pride in the Park had such a beautiful vibe, there was utter joy in the air.” Festival Director Em told QNews.

“It was so fantastic to see so many young families, with kids running around free to be whoever they are.”

“And adults around the park were enjoying that same delightful freedom.

‘My favourite part of the day was running into Damien and Greg, the tech support volunteers at JOY 94.9.

“They are the glue that holds every outside broadcast together and literally keep the station running.”

“They are the best, delightful and skilled humans. That was great.”

Sunday saw the festival host coffee with LGBTQIA+ Commissioner Joe Ball.

As well as a panel on Pride and Purpose and a final Tram Ride filled with pride.

With Trans Day of Visibility taking place on Monday, the Bendigo Conservatory was lit up in the trans flag colours.

A perfect way to wrap up a weekend of pride.

Source: Facebook

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Karan Nagrani says it's time to come out of the disability closet

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/karan-nagrani-says-its-time-to-come-out-of-the-disability-closet/

Karan Nagrani says it's time to come out of the disability closet

Proving laughter is the best medicine, Karan Nagrani is using his disability to break down barriers in the community and nationwide.

Karan was diagnosed at eleven with usher syndrome, a rare degenerative genetic condition that causes blindness and hearing loss.

It has no cure.

Born with normal sight, he now has less than three degrees of sight and uses a cane and hearing aids.

“When normal people look ahead, they see 180 degrees.”

“I see 3 degrees,” Karan told us,

“And in a few years, that’ll be gone too,”

“Usher syndrome is rare; approximately 4 to 7 people per 100,000 have it.

“To put that in perspective, 1 in 10 has diabetes.”

Image Supplied – Blindr photo by Matto Lucas

The blinder I got the better I could see myself.

For many years, Karan lived in what he refers to as his ‘disability closet’.

“In our queer community, there’s so much judgment and emphasis on the way you look or handle yourself.”

“I focused and fixated on things, knowing I was going blind, like picking a career in marketing and graphic design.

“I was living in denial.

“That’s just a hobby now, but I didn’t want to have a sense of regret.

“I don’t want to sound super philosophical, but the blinder I got, the better I could see myself.

“That’s when I realised this disability is not going anywhere, but how I live with it could change.

“I had these skills and didn’t want to waste them.

“I realised there were no resources out there showing people what someone with my condition sees.

“And with so many misconceptions and stereotypes, I took to social media.”

Karan always had a twisted sense of humour.

Making videos and reels, what started as a way to heal himself became a form of art.

Blossoming with community and connection online.

“People were telling me how refreshing my outlook was, and I started to realise that I wasn’t alone,” he said.

“Laughter is the best medicine, and once you’re genuinely comfortable in your skin, you’re sort of invincible.

“The worst thing that’s going to happen to me is going completely blind, and I know that.

“How I live with it now is up to me, so I go with a larger-than-life approach.

“Like anyone, I still hit rock bottom.

“But you have to be your own best friend and hold your hand because only you can lift yourself up.”

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by KARAN NAGRANI (@karannnagrani)

Celebrate every form pride comes in.

“What kept me going was the response I’d get whenever I posted comedy content and the love I’d receive,” Karan said,

“I realised that not only did I need to do this for myself, but for other blind people as well.”

“Not everyone has the mental and emotional strength to do what I’ve done, or the support.

“So I made it my responsibility to do whatever I can to make other blind people feel better about themselves.

“Disability is such a heavy subject that people want to walk on eggshells around you.

“I want to encourage people to start conversations about disability.

“This is how we are going to normalise it.”

You don’t have time to walk on eggshells around Karan.

Using his humour, heart and energy to say things when others may hesitate.

As a disability advocate for Midsumma Festival, ChillOut and the upcoming Bendigo Pride Festival, he understands the importance of celebrating every form our pride takes.

“People see me at events and DM me sharing they have a disability, but it is hidden.”

“And they didn’t want to talk to me publicly because they were scared their friends would find out.

“It makes me realise how important disability representation is within the queer community because you don’t see it.

“Talking to many people in wheelchairs, they don’t want to go to many queer event,

“Because they’re scared to be judged or that their needs aren’t considered.

“I don’t care if people laugh at me because I have bigger fish to fry.

“I don’t care if I’m the butt of all jokes as long as someone else with a disability sees that if I can do it, so can they.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by KARAN NAGRANI (@karannnagrani)

Accept the differences in our communities. 

“We put so much pressure on ourselves in queer spaces, with so much internalized homophobia and racism we all have insecurities.”

“Now imagine having a disability as well and think about what that does to you.”

“We ask other communities to embrace and accept us as normal in their eyes, yet within our community, there’s so much hatred and discrimination.

“I wish everyone would open their eyes and focus on accepting people who are different within their community.

“To those with disabilities who feel like they want to hide, I encourage you to get out there.

“Not only are you going to make it easier for others with disabilities, you’re going to love yourself more.

“Come out of the disability closet, it comes with a big sense of relief.”

“And honestly, if your friends don’t accept you for having whatever disability you do,

“They’re not your friends and you shouldn’t be around them.

“When you’re out and about with your disability, the right people come to you.”

Follow Karan on Instagram and find out more about him via his website.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by KARAN NAGRANI (@karannnagrani)

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Come celebrate regional pride and community in Bendigo this weekend

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/come-celebrate-regional-pride-and-community-in-bendigo-this-weekend/

Come celebrate regional pride and community in Bendigo this weekend

Bendigo Pride brings four days of LGBTQIA+ celebration and connection this weekend for all in regional Victoria.

It all starts Thursday with a series of events as Bendigo Pride connects the community.

Connection to community is more important than ever,” Festival Director Em Ireland told QNews,

“In this modern climate, finances are tough,”

“We’ve put a lot of thought into what our community needs for its mental health.

“Bringing our neighbours, families, and more to support regional festivals is also a great way we support one another.”

Thursday events include a free self-care event in North Bendigo for carers in the LGBTIQA+ community.

A Flag Raising ceremony at lunchtime followed by an Opening Launch Lunch with a performance from Leather Lungs.

The evening sees Frock Hudson host a trivia in Heathcote and burlesque and drag in Madame Martha’s Cabaret.

Friday afternoon catch Bendigo’s LGBTQIA+ musicians rocking out Hargreaves Mall.

With a glamaganza event of fashion, song, and celebration at the Opening Night Dinner and All Gender Fashion Parade.

Travel through the streets of Bendigo won board the Friday Fabulous Tram with DJ Tonky and Polly Filla.

Or join the Big Girls Bar at Trades Hall with performances by Sophie Delightful, Aurora Kurth and Kate Jukes.

From performances, art exhibitions, social catch-ups and more there is something for everyone.

All are welcome at Pride in the Park.

Saturday sees the community come together for a day of celebration with Pride in the Park in Rosalind Park.

Former Gogglebox stars Mark and Tom will host the dog show, with queer markets, food stalls, a neurodivergent space and more.

Frock Hudson kicks things off with Drag Storytime with entertainment throughout the day including superstar singer/songwriter Adam Noviello.

“I’m so keen to be headlining Pride in the Park in Bendigo Pride Festival,” Adam told us,

“To be coming to Bendigo for a Pride festival makes me so excited for our community.”

“Let’s build Pride festivals in every town everywhere!”

Adam will be performing No More alongside Kate Dearaugo and Greg Gould.

Gould and Novielo created the track together, released last year it was inspired by the tragic murders of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.

“This song was born out of an awful situation where we as queer folk were fed up,”

“We’re tired of being attacked and subjected to this stuff.” Adam said,

“I can’t wait to sing at Pride in the Park as well as have my friends Adam and Kate join me performing our track No More,” Gould said,

“We haven’t sung the song together in almost eight months so I am very excited to perform with them again”.

Pride in the Park is a chance for all the various intersectionalities of our communities to come together.

Followed by an All Ages Youth Event for young people to come together with a live broadcast on JOY 94.9.

Diverse country queer celebration

The intersectionality of the festival is something Bendigo Pride Ambassador Polly Filla is very proud of.

“There are a lot of queer, trans or questioning youth that that can’t go to a nightclub to find community like others can.”

“It’s not only about making a day that is accessible for them but for everyone,” Polly said,

“The same can be said for older members of our communities who don’t necessarily want to go out past 9 pm.”

“As well as people with mobility issues or financial restrictions.

“Pride in the Park is a free daytime event where everyone is welcome to come and be a part of celebrating pride in our community.”

At the same time, the Queer Country Art Exhibition will officially launch with your chance to meet the artists who created the works.

“The 2025 Queer Country exhibition lineup is very exciting, with over 40 artists featuring the show.” Curator Nathan told QNews,

“As diverse as the queer community is, it’s shown with the different types of art we have.”

“We have collage, photography, pottery, textiles, painting and stencils – it’s great to see all types of art forms shown.

“This year the entries have spread further than before, with local Bendigo and Shepparton artists.

“Plus works from Melbourne, Sydney, and even an artwork from Spain.

“I have been blown away by the interest and support for this show.

“The opening is not to be missed with artists celebrating their epic achievements and fantastic work.”

Dance the evening away with the Choose Life 80s Dance Party raising funds for Switchboard Victoria.

Greg Gould and the band will be performing his George Michael Tribute Show and more.

What is pride?

Sunday sees the festival ease things down with a series of events including film screenings, Gin Tastings and Coffee Catch Ups.

The day will also host a Pride in Purpose forum hosted by Nelly Thomas with three changemaker panel discussions.

“I’m thrilled to be talking to change makers, Senior LGBTIQA+ community members and rabble-rousers about pride,” Nelly told QNEs,

“What is pride, how do we make it a daily practice and, why do we need it now more than ever?”

“Pride is the opposite of shame – it is literally life-saving – so let’s talk about how to make it central to our lives and our community,

“Especially those who are marginalised even in queer spaces.

“It could be something as small as a DM to someone under attack or as big as becoming a parliamentarian.

“We might be out and proud at the school gate or run the LGBT club.

“All acts of pride matter.”

Bendigo Pride will wrap up with The Last Tram Home.

Enjoying a drink as you travel through Bendigo you’ll have beats by DJ Tonky and entertainment by Leather Lungs and Hungry Jackie.

There’s something for everyone this weekend in Bendigo, as our communities come far and wide to celebrate Bendigo Pride together.

Check out the full Bendigo Pride Program here.

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Greg Gould brings George Michael to Bendigo Pride

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/greg-gould-brings-george-michael-to-bendigo-pride/

Greg Gould brings George Michael to Bendigo Pride

Singer-songwriter Greg Gould is bringing his George Michael tribute show to Bendigo Pride to raise money for suicide prevention.

It’s not long till  Bendigo shines with pride as part of their annual festival.

Rounding out a huge season of pride festivals across Victoria top start the year.

One of the highlights of the Bendigo Pride Program is the Choose Life 80s Dance Party.

A fundraiser for Switchboard Victoria, it also sees singer Greg Gould bring his George Michael tribute show and band to Bendigo.

“I love Bendigo, it’s a beautiful place,” Greg told us,

“I went there last weekend with my fiancee’s family, and it’s such a lovely country town.”

“I’m excited to be coming back for Bendigo Pride next weekend and to be bringing my band as well.”

On Saturday you get two for one with a Goulds tribute show followed by an evening of dancing to make a differfence.

With an 80s theme throughout the night, it’s sure to be a ball for all.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bendigo Pride Festival (@bendigopridefestival)

George Michael’s music crosses boundaries.

Gould has toured his George Michael tribute show across Australia and is excited to be bringing it to Bendigo’s pride celebration.

“Regional queer communities just get it” Greg said, “Many of my favourite gigs in the past year have been in regional towns.”

“The spirit of the community is different, they welcome you with open arms and are there to live their best life.”

Alongside his four-piece band, Gould is proud to be able to pay tribute to a musical icon.

“George Michael has always been a big a huge inspiration, not just vocally, but also the freedom that he brought after he was outed.”

“He stood up so much for our community, showing it’s okay to be as gay as you want and live your authentic gay life.

“I’m proud to pay homage to someone that was a real trailblazer for the queer community.

“He was such an underrated vocalist,  and I just wanted to give him the flowers that he deserves.”

But when it comes to picking a favourite song to perform as part of the tribute show, it’s not so easy for the singer to do.

“That is so hard to answer because there’s quite a few that are amazing,” Gould said,

“But if I had to choose only one I would say Freedom, I always feel so much joy performing that song.”

“It’s one I love to perform at pride festivals.”

Being able to perform songs like this for the LGBTQIA+ community is a special thing for Gould.

But being able to perform George Michael’s music is a special thing for him.

“George Michael’s music speaks to so many and helps to cross boundaries,” Greg said,

“Music is a universal language for us all, but George’s music continues to stand the test of time.”

Regional communities do it a bit tougher.

The Choose Life 80s Dance Party will not be the only Bendigo Pride event Gould will perform at.

As he gets ready to rock out on Saturday afternoon at Pride in the Park.

The day will see him reunited onstage with singers Adam Noviello and Kate Dearaugo.

“I can’t wait to sing at Pride in the Park as well as have my friends Adam and Kate join me performing our track No More.”

The artists released the track last year, inspired by the tragic murders of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies.

“We haven’t sung the song together in almost eight months so I am very excited to perform with them again”

As well as bringing amazing Music to Bendigo, Gould is proud to be a part of the Choose Life 80s Dance Party.

Which is also a fundraiser for Switchboard Victoria.

Every year Bendigo Pride will be raising funds for one of the vital LGBTQIA+ organisations that makes a difference.

“People sometimes forget that regional communities do it a bit tougher,” Bendigo Pride Festival Director Em Ireland said,

“We’re faced with floods, bushfires and all sorts of things that people don’t see in metropolitan areas.

“There’s a lot of extra vulnerability here.

“This is why we are calling on our city community to come to support regional events like Bendigo Pride.

“To show up for a community that is more isolated and share in our pride.

“Bendigo is a vibrant, beautiful area. There’s so much more here than you know.”

Bendigo Pride runs from the 27th – 30th March.

Grab your tickets to the Choose Life 80s Dance Party and find out more about Bendigo Pride here.

Source: Facebook

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

[qnewsau]

Last chance to submit work to Bendigo Pride's Queer Country Exhibition

New Post has been published on https://qnews.com.au/last-chance-to-submit-work-to-bendigo-prides-queer-country-exhibition/

Last chance to submit work to Bendigo Pride's Queer Country Exhibition

There’s still time for queer artists in rural and regional Victoria to submit artwork for this year’s Queer Country Exhibition.

Now in its 17th year, Bendigo’s Queer Country Exhibition is an opportunity for queer artists to express themselves, showcase their creativity and celebrate LGBTIQA+ culture.

With artwork expression of interest closing this week, there’s still time for you to apply.

The artwork can be any media or subject matter, with preference works that address themes relating to the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Submissions have begun coming in, but you know what artists are like, we often wait till the last minute.” Curator Nathan told us.

This will be his second year of curating the exhibition, and as an artist, he has submitted works for many years.

“We like to be as inclusive as possible when it comes to what to expect with the exhibition.”

“With artists ranging from teenagers to later in life, we want to make sure we don’t pigeonhole their expression,” he said.

“There are textile pieces, photographs and paintings but also much more,

“Last year we had a multimedia video that ran on an old iPad and bat artworks made out of weeds.”

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bendigo Queer Country Exhibition (@bendigoqueercountry)

A platform for regional LGBTQ+ artists

The Queer Country Exhibition is a platform for regional artists to express themselves and showcase their creativity.

And offers another perspective to educate the broader community about LGBTQ+ arts and culture.

That platform is so important for our regional LGBTQ+ communities.

“As regional queer people you didn’t have as big a voice as others,” Nathan said,

“As a queer artist myself, I kept my identity hidden for many years.”

“I think it’s very important to celebrate that and give everyone a chance to express themselves and be highlighted.”

The deadline for entries to be submitted is this Friday, 14th February.

With the exhibition running during the Bendigo Pride Festival at the end of March.

After EOIs are submitted the artworks are selected by a committee.

“To anyone thinking about submitting work, I say go for it,” Nathan said,

“It’s a great opportunity to not only have your work exhibited but to network with community and other artists.”

Being a part of the Queer Country Exhibition can help change your eye as an artist and explore your identity through your work.

“That’s what happened with me,” Nathan said who is a street artist.

“My work had a different focus and demographic and the exhibition helped change the direction my artwork went.

“Giving me space to express that.”

Expression of interest closes this Friday.

Find out more about submitting an artwork here.

  View this post on Instagram

  A post shared by Bendigo Queer Country Exhibition (@bendigoqueercountry)

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Check out our latest magazines or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.