Queer collection gems revealed throughout year in Rainbow Threads installation at Melbourne Museum
A spotlight on the wedding dress worn by actor, writer and transgender rights activist Georgie Stone OAM on Neighbours in June 2022 will mark Trans Day of Visibility on 31 March at Melbourne Museum.
The wedding dress will be the first showcase in a series of new pop-up displays of LGBTIQA+ collection material, Rainbow Threads, at Melbourne Museum. Hidden behind vibrant adhesive vinyl, five more showcases will be revealed throughout the year in the Melbourne Stories gallery to algin with a significant day in the LGBTIQA+ calendar: IDAHOBIT (International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia) on 17 May, Non-Binary Peoples Day on 14 July, International Lesbian Day on 8 October and World AIDS Day on 1 December.
The bride and groom costumes were worn by characters Mackenzie and Hendrix in the first representation of a transgender character marrying on an Australian drama program. The butterfly-inspired wedding dress will be placed on display with the suit to celebrate Trans Day of Visibility on Friday 31 March. Through her struggle to gain access to hormone treatments as a teenager, Georgie Stone became an outspoken advocate for other trans youth by seeking to reform Australia’s legal barriers to gender-affirming treatments.
Georgie Stone said: “It was such an honour to wear this dress on Neighbours, crafted so lovingly by Nick Wakerley and the Neighbours costume department.
“It was a moment that was full of joy and celebration for Mackenzie, so to be a part of that story was a dream come true for me.”
Showcasing a selection of recent acquisitions, Rainbow Threads reflects the contemporary and inclusive nature of Museums Victoria’s research, collections and exhibitions in the 21st century; the objects displayed and the narratives they tell. Behind the glitz and glamour on show are stories of struggle, determination and triumph that deserve to be told.
“We are dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion and inquiry in our museum practice, places and experiences,” said Museums Victoria CEO & Director Lynley Crosswell.
“Museums Victoria is committed to amplifying diverse voices and telling an inclusive and accurate story of our past, in support of a thriving future for all.”
Rainbow Threads is at Melbourne Museum from 31 March, 2023 and free with museum entry.
