The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission approached Knuckles to create a visual communication toolkit to help people better understand the Change or Suppression (Conversion) Practices Prohibition Act 2021.

The challenge was explaining a survivor-led law about serious harm in a way that felt clear and accessible. The resources needed to work across very different communities, while meeting people where they are emotionally, culturally, and practically.

The Approach

Knuckles worked closely with the Commission to develop a flexible, human-centred visual system designed to support long-term education around change or suppression practices.

We worked alongside cultural consultants throughout the project, drawing on lived experience research to ensure the visuals, characters, and scenarios were respectful and appropriate for the diverse communities most impacted by the law.

At the core of the toolkit is a set custom character illustrations that reflect the real-life experiences and diversity of the LGBTQA community. These illustrations formed a modular system that could be reused across animation, print, and digital formats while keeping a consistent visual language.

We delivered end-to-end services, including:

• A complete visual system with illustrative design, character illustrations, scenarios, and icons
• An animated explainer video and short-form social cutdowns
• 35 illustrated scenarios of LGBTQA people across personal, family, and faith contexts
• Print and digital materials, including booklets and factsheets
• Tailored care booklets for specific faith communities
• Accessibility support, including captions

All materials were developed in line with the VEOHRC style guide, with thoughtful expansions where needed.

Visual Style

The visual style was designed to feel warm, respectful, and grounded in lived experience. Character illustrations focus on relatable people across LGBTQA faith communities, supported by clear, easy-to-read icons that communicate complex ideas.

One of the most recognisable visual elements of the animation is a Russian doll motif. The dolls are used as a flexible visual metaphor, opening to reveal different aspects of sexuality or gender expression. In more serious sequences, the same form is pushed and strained to communicate the pressure and harm caused by change or suppression practices, including worst-case scenarios, without relying on graphic imagery.

The illustration system was built to work seamlessly across multiple formats, creating a cohesive look across printed materials and animated content of varying lengths.

The Result

The animation, booklet and factsheets are available on the Commission's website globally. The animated content has been viewed approximately 10,000 times and is being used as a reference by other states and countries exploring similar legislation.

The resources support people experiencing change or suppression practices related to their sexual and or gender identity, as well as families, faith groups, educators, health practitioners, and care providers.

Designed for long-term impact, the toolkit supports ongoing education and survivor-led understanding of the law, while helping build momentum towards ending change or suppression practices altogether.

*Terminology may vary (e.g., LGBTQ+, LGBTQA+, or similar acronyms) due to legal or campaign requirements. This does not imply exclusion of any identities.