By Tanya Steele
A first-time event in the hills will bring an array of voices from the edge into the spotlight to celebrate art and diversity in Tecoma.
On Sunday 13 October from 2pm to 5.30pm Voices from the Edge will present an afternoon of musical performances, artwork, poetry, drama and facilitated discussion between LGBTQIA+ artists and the community at Tecoma Uniting Church.
Artistic curator Samuel said this year’s event is particularly focusing on transgender and non-binary LGBT representation.
“It’s an opportunity to share the gifts that we are as people and that we are as artists to the community,” they said.
“We have a good group of performers who are at various points in their journeys.”
Artists such as Fleassy Malay and The Blurred Lines will deliver spoken word poetry and live music along with Saint Ergo performing R&B baroque style pop.
Saint Ergo said her art is rooted in the theme of connection, exploring identity, inclusivity, and the struggles of navigating societal norms.
“I am grateful and excited to be included in Voices from the Edge,” she said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for those at the fringes of society, to share original songs and then to have deeper conversations about how to simply exist.”
“Being neurodivergent, transgender and queer, navigating being a carer and a single parent all while trying to find the time, energy and the funds to write, produce and release music is often overwhelming.”
Other artists set to appear include Wilbur who creates work around transcendence and acceptance themes and Miller who is in their final year of school.
“I’ve always been involved in performing of some kind and it’s always been something I’ve absolutely loved,” Miller said.
“Being able to create and perform has always been an incredible outlet for me, it’s so important to give queer people the opportunity to share their voices and theatre has always been the place for me to do that,” they said.
Tecoma Uniting Minister Matt Cutler said the event will be like a mini-festival and it’s a chance for people in the community to listen to stories that aren’t theirs.
“It is both the celebration of local artists and a chance to bring marginalized voices to the centre,” he said.
“It’s rearranging the seats and giving a microphone to those who’ve had theirs snatched from them, in some ways to celebrate who you are and what you offer the world.”
“I’m really excited for the teenage crew to then meet people who’ve been on the journey for longer and wrestle with different stuff.”
The mixed performance event will conclude with an interactive question and answer session after the performances and a chance for the audience to connect with the artists.
The group hope to continue Voices from the Edge once or twice a year, with themes changing, but always with a focus on celebrating difference and offering opportunities for people who have been marginalised to be heard and seen.
“Not everything needs to be about our identities – our stories flow through what we create and what we want to share with others,” said Samuel.
Voices from the Edge is on Sunday 13 October from 2pm to 5.30pm at the Tecoma Uniting Church at 1566 Burwood Hwy, Tecoma for more information visit their Facebook event page at:www.facebook.com/events/484186570631851
