On a sunny winter day in Melbourne, surrounded by fabric, thread, and the hum of conversation, we gathered around a large table to stitch. Some participants had only recently arrived in Australia; others had been here for years. What united everyone - aside from the quilt we were creating—was the safe space created by Many Coloured Sky.
Since 2018, Many Coloured Sky has been working with a growing community of LGBTIQA+ refugees and people seeking asylum in Australia—nearly 500 individuals from 43 countries across five continents. From their space in Melbourne, they run a range of in-person programs and activities designed to build skills, foster connection, and grow supportive networks. The Queer Quilt is one of these offerings.
Quilting with queer refugees and asylum seekers isn’t just about making something by hand. It’s about reclaiming space and a sense of connection. Each square of fabric tells a story—shaped by memories of a home, a symbol of identity, or a tribute to survival. Some patches are bright, full of joy and self-expression. Others are delicate, full of precision and detail. Together, they form a bold, beautiful expression of their supportive LGBTIQA+ community.
Sitting side by side, people shared stories, laughter, or a quiet focus as they stitched. In this space, connection wasn’t always spoken—it was felt. It showed up in the handing over of scissors, the teaching of a stitch, the sharing of a cup of tea.
In a world that too often tries to erase the most vulnerable, this collective quilt says: We are all welcome here. And we belong—together. When the quilt is finished, it won’t just tell their stories—it will become a blanket to provide comfort, show persistence, and display their unique expression of unity.
Stitching alongside refugees and asylum seekers creates kinship. It’s a reminder that solidarity isn’t always loud or public—it can be quiet, hand-stitched, and full of love. And in times like these, when the fabric of our societies feels worn and frayed, we need more of this kind of stitching together.