Defending with Pride – Exhibition – Last Week

This special exhibition is the first of its kind for an Australian war memorial. It reveals the history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people in service.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people have been proudly defending Australia through their military service since the formation of the armed forces. Today, anyone identifying as LGBTQ+ can serve openly in the Australian Defence Force (ADF): diversity and inclusion are values that our contemporary military actively champions and supports. It has not always been this way. It has been a long and often difficult journey for LGBTQ+ people to be recognised, accepted, and celebrated for their service.

Drawing on historical research, community consultation and collections from the Australian Queer Archives, this immersive exhibition takes you on a journey from denial and exclusion to recognition and inclusion.

At its centerpiece are the personal stories and reflections of veterans and current serving ADF personnel. Their testimony speaks to the richness and diversity of experiences of LGBTQ+ people in service: highlighting their continuing journey.