I use the title as a metaphor whose space is both mental and social.
My essay explores Mardi Gras and the changing acceptance of people who differ from the usual heterosexual identity. I first encountered a marriage equality event outside Sydney Town Hall in 2013. In 2017, society experienced the most provocative challenge to its identity with the successful YES vote in the referendum on this very matter. This breakthrough was revolutionary, and since then, people from all walks of life have felt accepted. This year, 2023, has been a remarkable eye-opener of acceptance. In the streets of Sydney, major businesses support Mardi Gras in a manner I have not seen before; from Customs House to Oxford Street, signs of support are everywhere. The National Arts School and Carriageworks have pride events, while the Australian Museum has a rainbow-covered shark at the entrance, promoting its latest exhibition. Most importantly, people the world over can see Sydney at THE Pride event for 2023.
Vranich has been practising photography for over 30 years, ever since joining his local camera club in 1984. In those days, he worked casually for a theatre agency, taking portraits of the extras working in films. Teaching basic photography at high school for some 15 years, he retired from classes in 2002 and continued teaching locally. His work has been exhibited at Penrith City Library since 2003, ten such exhibitions with Head On.
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