Today, we recognise Trans Day of Visibility – a moment to celebrate the strength, creativity and contributions of transgender and gender-diverse people in our community and beyond. It’s also a time to acknowledge that while visibility matters, there is still work to be done to ensure everyone can live safely, authentically and without compromise.
Our community is shaped by people who bring their full selves into their work, telling stories, challenging perspectives and pushing the creative industries forward in meaningful ways. Today, we’re proud to share voices from within our Collarts community.
Above: 'Pastel goth' - art work by Collarts Graphic Design student Robin
Robin is a trans student studying Graphic & Digital Design. They’ve been drawing since a young age and are currently designing merchandise, while continuing to create illustrations both for fun and for clients.
What does visibility and representation mean to you?
“Visibility and representation mean the undeniable, unashamed presence of queer people. No signals or dog whistles, real queer stories being depicted outright, confirmed in the media itself.”
'Mettattena' - art work by Collarts Graphic Design student Robin
What piece of advice or message would you give to trans/gender diverse creatives who are navigating the creative industries?
“My advice for other trans students would probably be to seek out other queer students where possible, and to stay vocal!"
"I may need to take my own advice, because it can be really hard to correct things like a teacher misgendering you, but you deserve to be validated and respected! I've also found including trans and queer themes and advocacy in my school work can be very motivating, while letting others know where I stand and providing possible representation for others :)”
Pictured above: 'Something to come' - artwork by Violet Clements
Violet is a proud trans woman which she says, has "shaped the way I love people.''
" I would like to share my art and show myself, if it can help other trans and queer people feel less alone."
Check out Violet's art on Instagram @wirlygop
"Be open. Being trans can shine light for others, and learning about trans people and how they feel will broaden your horizons. If you can’t do that, you’re missing out."
"The people that love you unconditionally will see you beyond those surfaces that you struggle with, so have faith in your friends. It’s okay to express this experience and how it’s shaped you. It’s okay for that to be scary."
Elm is a non-binary creative and artist (see Instagram: @elm.experiments). At Collarts, they work as the Student Communications Coordinator, creating a range of emails and posters while managing the My Collarts platform. Outside of Collarts, they are an event producer for immersive experiences (see Instagram: @midnight_in_melbourne), as well as an illustrator, painter and photographer working with a variety of clients.
What does visibility and representation mean to you as a trans creative?
“Visibility means that not only folks see me and who I am but that they know my voice is important. Trans and Non-binary folks have vital stories, by being represented in media, organisations and the arts more people get to hear them!”
Above: Extract of artwork by Elm
What piece of advice or message would you give to trans creatives who are navigating the creative industries?
“Don't ever apologise for the space you take up, and take some more! You are important and by self advocating you open up the door for more people to step in beside you. The world wants you to be small and defined, be loud, proud and present. We need you here.”
At Collarts, we believe visibility is powerful, but it’s only the beginning. Creating space, amplifying voices, and building a culture of respect and inclusion is something we commit to every day.
Today and every day, we stand with our trans and gender-diverse community.