Curated by Diana Klepoch Majdáková
Opening: 19 September 2024, 6 pm
Stigmatization, defamation, and incitement of resistance against LGBTIQA+ people are among the main tools of populist politics. A survey conducted by the European Commission shows that almost 60% of the Slovak population believes that gays, lesbians, and bisexuals should not have the same rights as heterosexual people. This places us at the very bottom among all EU countries.
The current political situation and its key figures are causing Slovak society to sink even deeper in this regard. Paradoxically, after the terrorist murder of Juraj Vankulič and Matúš Horváth in front of the Tepláreň bar, the general public’s attitude towards the rights of LGBTIQA+ people did not improve; in many respects, it got worse.
The work of Tomáš Rafa serves as an important memento that grows in significance over time. He has been documenting and processing video material for many years, capturing protests and demonstrations either in support of or against the rights of minorities. In addition presenting works that reflect expressions of intolerance in public spaces, and conversely, public expressions of support from ordinary people or public figures, the exhibition offers guidance on how to get involved in community activities, defend oneself against attacks, and join the wave of solidarity and tangible support for LGBTIQA+ individuals in Slovakia.
In addition to the visual presentation, the Over the Rainbow exhibition will serve as a useful information point, a temporary “safe space” — a meeting place for LGBTIQA+ people, a place for discussions, supportive and accepting conversations, but most importantly, a place for discovering and intertwining various life situations connected with minority sexuality and gender identity.
For more information about the exhibition, the artist and the curator please visit: tranzit.sk / exhibition / tomas-rafa-over-the-rainbow
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday: 2:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Cover picture: Public commemoration of the victims of the terrorist attack at the Tepláreň Bar, Bratislava, October 14, 2022
