'Dare to Dream' project combats lack of queer spaces in Sydney's west

In the bustling heart of Parramatta, an art installation named Dare to Dream has emerged as a beacon of hope for Sydney's queer and gender diverse community. Artist Bonnie Huang's multimedia project, a part of the Rainbow Crossing initiative, seeks to provide a sense of belonging and acceptance for those in Greater Western Sydney who struggle to find such spaces.

Huang collaborated with the C3West program at the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia and ACON Westie, a social community for LGBTQ+ individuals in Western Sydney, to host gatherings that brought together 70 community members over nine months.

The installation features sculptures of personal shrines, created by participants to symbolize their unique identities and experiences. Huang explained that the project aimed to address the diverse cultural and religious backgrounds within the LGBTQ+ community, while also acknowledging the challenges of finding safe spaces in Western Sydney.

As one participant, drag queen Kaia Papaya, recalled, growing up in Sydney's southwest, she had to travel long distances to find even a semblance of a community. She hopes that in the future, Western Sydney will become more accepting of queerness, just as the CBD has become.

ACON Westie's Duy Tran highlighted the geographical challenges of providing accessible queer spaces in Western Sydney, as the region is vast and communities are often isolated. He emphasized the importance of incorporating queer perspectives into cultural spaces, as this can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive environment. Tran noted that while some queers in Western Sydney have turned to more discreet means of accessing safe spaces due to safety concerns, the tide is slowly changing.