A Clever Label

A Clever Label is an interactive documentary experience about connections between anti-equality lobbyists, senior Australian politicians and international organisations. Hosted by queer trans woman Michela Ledwidge, it lets you follow the threads that interest you and draw your own conclusions rather than presenting a fixed narrative.

Following the connections

The experience examines the rise of the Australian religious right and its influence on LGBTQI politics and Australian society. Using the Australian Christian Lobby as a starting point, Michela explores data on financial and political influence, along with the sources and motivations behind anti-equality messaging. The documentary also raises questions about who supports these groups, what motivates politicians and how echo chambers affect people’s ability to understand complex issues.

The story behind it

During the 2016 Safe Schools debate, Michela walked past a rally at Town Hall where 15-year-old children spoke about the suicide of a classmate. That same week, Australian politicians used parliamentary privilege to equate homosexuality with paedophilia. Michela began investigating how the Australian religious right had gained influence in a society she understood to be secular, and set out to explore links between anti-LGBTQI lobbyists, senior Australian politicians and US-based international organisations.

The project uses virtual reality as a space to explore complex issues. A podcast also covers the topics for people without desktop VR equipment and those who want to share the information with friends who do not have VR.