Queer show a safe space to create

THE region’s transgender and gender-diverse creatives will soon be celebrated with an exhibition at TBH Studio.

Launching at the beginning of next month, We Are Here: An exhibition by Trans and Gender diverse artists will so far showcase about a dozen creatives and their stories.

TBH co-founder, and the exhibition’s installer Toni Louise said the show is about giving the artists a space to be seen.

“The idea is to have a safe environment for these artists to basically tell their stories and have a space where both themselves and their work can be seen,” she said.

“It’s a group show that’s just for them. It’s that little shoutout of we are here, we exist, and we deserve the space and the time like everyone else.

“So far, we have zines being submitted, and photography, crochet pieces, and mixed media, collage. We’ve had one painting, so most of the works are falling outside that traditional art medium which is great to see.”

The show is being put on through the City of Ballarat’s LGBTIQA+ advisory committee as part of Trans Awareness Week.

Karter Aver is one of the featured artists, who’ll also lead a workshop on 15 November to complement the exhibition.

Displaying three oil-pained pieces, he said his participation in the show is about inspiring others through his art.

“It’s another opportunity for me to share my story and help others feel seen,” he said.

“One of my pieces is focused on reclaiming my body from abuse; another is sharing my experiences with anxiety; my third one is about making a statement that I’m sick of society judging me for existing.

“My workshop will be about encouraging different queer and trans people to communicate their experiences how they see fit, really playing on the sensory side of getting people into it hands-on.”

Aver’s workshop is $15 with tickets available via TBH’s website.

Entries are still open until Saturday 26 October at 11.59pm for those wanting to feature in the show, with applicants able to submit up to three pieces.

Submissions can be filled via bit.ly/4f1Brwz.

The exhibition will launch with an opening night on Friday 1 November from 5.30pm after which it will run until 30 November.