Finding strength in fragility

IDAHO Sydney is issuing a renewed call to members of the GLBTIQ community in NSW to participate in the 2011 International Day Against Homophobia exhibition, titled Fragility: Strength of the Spirit.

This year’s theme was inspired by Bruce Miller, a Canadian artist who showed his work in last year’s exhibition. He has since produced a short video documenting the Canadian tribute to human rights unveiled by the Dalai Lama in 1990.

The video, a global invitation to participate in the 2011 exhibition, can be seen at the IDAHO Sydney website.

IDAHO Sydney founders Nick Baldas and Luke Callaghan said the project’s main goal is “to reach out to members of the GLBTIQ community who might feel isolated and trapped due to homophobia.

“A safe place is provided where artists can express themselves and share their own personal experiences.

“Through the creation and showing of artworks that are inspired by homophobia, the exhibition will open avenues for discussion and promote healing.”

The exhibition also encourages the participation of secondary schools and universities from across the state. All students are welcome to participate, regardless of their sexual identity.

An invitation will also be extended to NSW Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison Officers to help encourage reports of homophobic violence and hate crime incidents.

info: If you have a story you would like to share, contact IDAHO Sydney at info@idahosydney.org To register for the Fragility exhibition, visit www.idahosydney.org