Queer-Ways: Retracing Queer Footprints

Queer-ways: Retracing Queer Footprints celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Victoria.

Luciano and Georgia Keats are launching a new iteration of their Queer-ways project, Retracing Queer Footprints, as part of Melbourne Pride on 13 February 2022. 

Retracing Queer Footprints raises awareness of the contributions queer people have made to the City of Yarra. The project aims to build a greater understanding of the past bringing together all generations, sexualities and gender identities as we all move into the future with pride. 

Retracing Queer Footprints consists of a multi-modal public artwork as well as a series of self-led walking tours, which will introduce listeners to the queer history and rainbow communities of the City of Yarra. The permanent mural will be revealed on the iconic pink wall of Evie's Disco Diner, documenting a visual timeline of key events in Melbourne’s queer history.

The audio component will take listeners on an educational journey through Yarra, joined by the voices of local community members including: 

• Angela Bailey from the Australian Queer Archives
• Bryan Andy from OutBlack
• John Hall from Thorne Harbour Health
• Sally Goldner AM and; 
• James McKenzie from 3CR. 

Listeners will also experience music created for the project by local queer musicians Jennifer Loveless and Maize Wallin.

By retracing the footsteps of queer forebearers, we can step into a future where all of our histories are celebrated and acknowledged.  

Launching on 13 Feb, see the illustrations come to life through augmented reality by visiting queerways.melbourne/yarra, or by following these steps:

1. Scan the QR code on location to download the EyeJack app. If you already have the app, scan the QR code in the camera mode.

2. Hold your smartphone camera in front of the artwork. Try to initially capture the whole width of the artwork on your phone screen. Once the AR begins you can move closer to zoom in or move further away to zoom out.

3. Watch and listen as the maps come to life retracing Melbourne's queer footprints.

This project will be permanently maintained by Yarra City Council so it remains accessible into the future through the Queer-ways website and the Yarra City Council website.

Retracing Queer Footprints has been made possible through the support of Yarra City Council through Yarra City Arts, Yarra City Heritage, Yarra City Community Partnerships and Yarra City Libraries, Midsumma for Melbourne Pride - A Road to Pride and the State Government of Victoria..

Special thanks to Evie’s Bar for their support and interest in sharing the queer history of our city.