Rainbow Threads at Melbourne Museum

Tuesday June 7, 2022, was a pivotal day in Australian television. It marked the first representation of a transgender character marrying on an Australian drama program, when Neighbours characters Mackenzie and Hendrix tied the knot. Now a new exhibition at Melbourne Museum will feature the costumes worn by the pair, including the butterfly-inspired wedding dress worn by Mackenzie, played by actor, writer and transgender rights activist Georgie Stone.

Stone’s dress, along with the suit worn by actor Ben Turland, is on display as part of Rainbow Threads, the first showcase in a series of new pop-up displays of LGBTIQA+ collection material at the museum.

Launched on March 31 to mark Trans Day of Visibility, the series will go on to reveal five more showcases throughout the year in the Melbourne Stories corridor. Each unveiling will align with a significant day in the LGBTIQA+ calendar: IDAHOBIT (International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia) on May 17, Non-Binary Peoples Day on July 14, International Lesbian Day on October 8 and World AIDS Day on December 1.

Showcasing a selection of recent acquisitions, Rainbow Threads aims to reflect the inclusive nature of Museums Victoria’s research, collections and exhibitions in the 21st-century, via the objects displayed and the narratives they tell.

Entry is free. See more details.

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