Multidisciplinary artist Luciano, along with project partner George Keats, supported by the Australian Queer Archives, is leading the Queer-Ways initiative. They are diligently tracing the footprints of the LGBTQIA+ community across Victoria, documenting its rich history and preserving it for future generations. Inspired by the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project has uncovered the profound significance of physical locations where queer individuals can authentically express themselves and feel safe.
Queer-Ways began by chronicling Melbourne’s history and subsequently expanded its reach to regional areas, including Daylesford, Mildura, and Wodonga. In preparation for Victoria’s Pride 2024, the project is now extending its efforts to Ballarat, Geelong, and Shepparton. The local community is enthusiastic about contributing their memories and experiences to this vital initiative.
Deb Lord, executive producer of the LGBTQIA+ variety show LaNCE TV in Ballarat, emphasizes the importance of this project in highlighting queerness in regional areas. By doing so, it provides much-needed representation and validation for rainbow communities in rural Victoria, allowing them to be seen and acknowledged.
Sam McColl, a native of Ararat and supporter of the Queer-Ways project, emphasizes the project’s role in rewriting Australian history to accurately reflect the contributions and experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community. Understanding this history, especially regarding the significant role played by trans individuals in the rights movement, is crucial for shaping a more inclusive future.
Luciano hopes that this project’s expansion into Ballarat, Geelong, and Shepparton will strengthen the connections between regional LGBTQIA+ communities and ensure their representation in the rich tapestry of Victoria’s queer history. They encourage queer community members across the state to contribute their own significant stories and locations to further enrich this important endeavor.
