The Rainbow Bridges art project brings together the voices of young lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex people and older members of the LGBTIQA+ community of the Macedon Ranges.

Funded by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund and coordinated by our WayOut and CLIP programs, the project features a collection of photographs and video clips created by local community members in collaboration with Woodend-based Tracey Strong of Strong Productions and Kyneton photographer Lakshal (Lucky) Perera.

The project aimed to build connections within the local LGBTIQA+ community through mentoring, positive role modelling and the sharing of LGBTI history.

“The Rainbow Bridges project is an intergenerational journey of curiosity, self-reflection and discovery centred around the LGBTIQA+ lived experience in regional Victoria,” says project coordinator Belinda Brain.  “There are few organised situations in which older and younger LGBTIQA+ people have the opportunity to come together and a build a sense of shared belonging.”

The collection of images and videos aims to bring empowerment, strength and a sense of pride and show the personal growth that comes with the building of confidence and self-worth.

“The personal stories represented in this exhibition are emotive, and painful but also convey history and experiences of celebration and positivity,” says Belinda.  “It is hoped that this project will increase LGBTIQA+ visibility and have the capacity to influence and unite people through inclusion and acceptance.”

The photographs and videos can be viewed at the Victorian Pride Centre from September 13, 2023. Find out more about the project here.

The Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund is provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Victoria by Regional Arts Victoria.

On display until November 2023.