It’s Who We Are: Celebrating 20 Years of the Jewish Lesbian Group of Victoria

This film holds particular relevance for Australian audiences as it directly addresses the nation's social landscape over two decades. It highlights the ongoing struggles against discrimination and the vital importance of visibility for minority groups within Australia. The story of the Jewish Lesbian Group of Victoria offers a powerful local narrative of activism, community building, and the fight for acceptance, resonating with contemporary discussions around diversity, inclusion, and challenging prejudice in Australian society.

The documentary adopts an intimate and personal tone, providing viewers with a close-up view of the women's experiences. It appears to be a deeply personal exploration of their lives, struggles, and triumphs. While specific directorial style isn't detailed, the emphasis on 'intimate view' and documenting personal journeys suggests a focus on individual narratives and emotional resonance. The film likely balances the serious nature of their activism with moments of celebration and connection.

The 'first' aspect is crucial, marking a significant moment for intersectional visibility in Australia. This pioneering status meant the Jewish Lesbian Group of Victoria had to navigate uncharted territory, paving the way for others. Their public declaration of pride in both their Jewish and lesbian identities was a radical act, challenging established norms within both communities and wider society. This film captures the bravery and impact of their groundbreaking efforts to be seen and acknowledged.

'It's Who We Are' offers an intimate glimpse into the community forged by these women. It showcases how they created a vital support network that honours and celebrates both their Jewish heritage and their lesbian identities. This community serves as a testament to their resilience and their success in building a space that fosters pride and belonging, counteracting the isolation that can stem from facing multiple forms of discrimination. The film suggests this shared experience profoundly shaped them.

The film documents the significant hurdles encountered by the Jewish Lesbian Group of Victoria. They confronted deeply ingrained societal prejudices, including hetero-sexism, lesbophobia, and anti-Semitism. Furthermore, the group actively challenged racism and xenophobia. Their fight was for both individual and collective acceptance, striving to carve out a space where their intersecting identities were not only tolerated but celebrated, forcing broader communities to confront their biases and adapt.

This documentary chronicles the formative two decades of Australia's Jewish Lesbian Group of Victoria. It delves into the group's pioneering role as the first LGBTIQ Jewish organisation to publicly embrace their dual identities. The film explores their courageous journey of seeking visibility and combating various forms of discrimination, including hetero-sexism, lesbophobia, anti-Semitism, racism, and xenophobia, both within their communities and across Australia. It highlights the creation of a supportive community that celebrates Jewish and Lesbian cultures.