Build your own archive armour

Join volunteers from the Australian Queer Archives on a creative and interactive journey through local trans histories.

“The ability to see yourself in the past is essential to forming a sense of belonging in the world,” Archie Barry wrote in 2018. “It seems now I’ve naturally fallen into a role that many queer and gender diverse people fall into: that of informal researcher. We silently hoard content – URLs, zines, ads, pamphlets, stickers, mp3s, books, posters – to build a personalised buffer, a kind of archive armour, between the self and the ­cis-hetero world.”

It is important to do this during these times where trans communities are under attack in ways that parallel attacks on gay communities in the recent past and continue to harm us all.

This session will include a short presentation on finding examples of trans care, hope, and joy from the archives and beyond, and give you the opportunity to start building your own archive armour by making a zine, badge and/or collage inspired by our histories.  

A free AQuA trans history zine is included with every ticket!

Tickets

• Free and paid tickets are equal

• Free tickets to allow anyone from the community to attend

• $5 & $15 tickets are for those financially able to support AQuA's work. We will also donate 50% of money raised to Pay the rent and APAN.

This event is for people aged 18 and above.

Accessibility

• Public transport access – the 6 or 1 tram stops directly at Albert St/Lygon St, right outside our venue. The Brunswick Train Station is 1.2km or a 16 minute walk away.

• Parking: there is limited all day parking on side streets around Affirmation Station. If you are driving directly to Affirmation Station make sure to leave plenty of time to park.

• Step-free access

• Accessible bathroom

• All-gender bathrooms

• Sensory-friendly adjustable lighting

• Quiet Room/Low-sensory space

• Free or Low Cost Services - our event is low cost or free but if anything feels financially inaccessible, feel free to reach out

• Air purifiers in all indoor spaces

• Free N95 masks available at the door

• Pronoun badges available at the door (or you can make your own)

• Free tea and coffee accessible at our community events 

• Interpreter-friendly – you’re welcome to bring your own interpreter

• Alternative communication methods supported (e.g. writing instead of speaking)

• Chairs with and without arms

• Neurodivergent-inclusive and trauma-informed practices

• Trans-led team with lived experience of access and inclusion needs