These pins are part of the Queer History Collection a collaboration between Bendigo Artist Dan Cox and Jubly-Umph (Australia) All the lapel pins in the collection are:
- Limited edition
- Hard enamel
- 40mm in Height
- Jubly-Umph backing card
a) We're Here We're Queer - In queer history has there ever been a better catch phrase for activism! Clear and succinct and it takes no prisoners. It slaps homophobia in the face and says "So what ya gonna do about it!" b) Gay as Day - In the fight for equal rights, activists never lost their sense of humour. A number of handmade signs read the obvious, or poked fun at homophobic messages. These pins are inspired by the Pioneers who used signs such as "The Gay Agenda", "Super Gay" or "Gay All Day" which are frank, funny and fearless. This message still resonates today in the fight for equality around the world. c) Lavender Menace -The 'Lavender Menace' was a group of lesbian feminists who protested against their exclusion in the feminist movement, at the 'Second Congress to Unite Women' in New York in 1970. Initially a negative slur against the group, the women adopted and embraced the term, 'Lavender Menace' creating placards and t-shirts which they wore during their protest. This became widely acknowledged as a key turning point and a founding movement for lesbian feminism around the world. d) We Are Everywhere - In queer history, this phrase summarised the queer movement throughout the 20th century and twisted the fear mongering of the anti-gay movements at the time. Activists took to the streets and said, "you're right, we are everywhere!" This pin celebrates that we are not alone in this world. e) Gay is Good - One of the most iconic phrases from queer activism in the 1960's was the saying "Gay Is Good". Activists would paint signs, make banners and create badges to wear with pride! This particular pin is re-imagined by a badge from 1963 in the National Museum of American History - but with glitter! f) Green Carnation - Let's face it - Throughout the centuries it hasn't always been easy to be gay! This meant that the queer community had to exist in secret, while using symbols to let other queer folk know they were around. One such symbol was the Green Carnation. Oscar Wilde was known to wear this symbol along with close associates to identify one another. Later, it was widely adopted by the LGBTQIA+ community as a symbol of pride! g) You've Got an Ally in Me - History has shown that it is so important to have an Ally. You are a friend, you can listen, and you can be a support.