A Gender Agenda spokesperson Peter Hyndal said “We are very proud to be exhibiting the work of a selection of artists exploring the theme of gender diversity. The mostly Canberra based artists include Peta Bourne, Tina Fiveash, Robyn Grafkin, Eryca Green, Stephanie Parker, Margot Seares and Ingrid Singh”
In 2006, a distinguished group of international human rights experts met in Yogyakarta, to outline a set of principles relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. The result was the Yogyakarta Principles: a universal guide to human rights. They promised a different future where all people are born free and equal in dignity and rights. In December 2008, 66 nations at the UN General Assembly supported a statement confirming that sexual orientation and gender identity were human rights that should be internationally protected. Australia was a signatory to the statement.
“Gender represents one of the most fundamental choices that individuals have in our society. Gender is about your identity, your physicality, and the way you interact with other people. We now recognise that people have the power to express their own gender in an increasing number of ways, but despite this reality, and the existence of international statements, unfortunately the law in Australia lags far behind.”
In 2009 the Australian Human Rights Commission released its report Sex Files: The Legal Recognition of Sex in documents and government records which highlighted that some of the most basic human rights of sex and gender diverse people in Australia are still not protected at law.
“The exhibition contains a variety of different works which are fun, confronting and engaging. The artworks provide an easy way for the general public to start to engage with some of the really important issues that affect the sex and gender diverse community in Canberra.”
Many of the artists will be present at the launch and are happy to talk to media. In addition, Roslyn Dundas the Director of the ACT Council of Social Services (ACTCOSS) and a representative from the ACT Human Rights Commission will speak. The exhibition is being staged as part of Springout - Canberra’s annual GLTBI (Queer) Pride festival, with the support of Pink Tennis.