A Word With Antonia Forster

Senior VR & AR Technical Specialist at Unity // Director of the LGBTQIA+ VR Museum

Tell us a little about yourself

My background is not in coding, but Zoology! I was a presenter at zoos, science centres, and eventually a 3D planetarium (at We The Curious, in Bristol). There, I learned to code and create astronomy shows. I adored the idea of building virtual worlds (or galaxies), so I used free materials online to teach myself C# and Unity, and began projecting VR content onto the 3D dome, and bringing the planetarium’s shows onto VR headsets! Shortly after this, I got a role as a full-time VR software developer. Now, my role combines my experience in public-speaking with coding and VR/AR technology. The museum is actually not part of my day-job, but a passion project I’m developing in my free time!

Tell us about the LGBT+ VR Museum Project

The purpose of the museum is to showcase the objects, stories and artwork of LGBTQ+ people. The museum is a virtual reality venue - in other words, you put on a VR headset (an Oculus Quest 2) and you find yourself in a big, airy gallery. The walls are decorated with 2D illustrations and photographs by talented queer artists all over the world. Objects are visible on pedestals - these are 3D scans of real-life objects, or “artefacts of personal significance”, chosen by people in Bristol’s LGBTQ+ community. You can reach out and grab the objects, or press a button; which triggers narration by the person that chose the object, explaining its importance to them. Many of the stories had me in tears! The project is scoped for release in July, and can be experienced on Oculus VR headsets (the Rift S, or Quest 2) - you will be able to find it on AppLab or SideQuest

What made you put this project together?

I grew up in a very homophobic, unsafe environment. Digital spaces were the only place I was able to be open about my identity, and connect with other queer people. I was finally able to come out as bisexual and polyamorous in 2017, in my late twenties. When I did, I received aggressive backlash from some members of my family - including threats, blackmail, and bribery (to remain in the closet). I believe that reaction comes partly from ignorance and fear - from not knowing any (openly) queer people, and never hearing their stories. Exposure is a powerful antidote to prejudice. One of the most impactful ways we can use technology is to create awareness, education and exposure by amplifying under-represented stories. I also find it interesting, in the context of museums, to ask the question “Who curates the content? Who decides which stories we preserve and platform, and which fade away?”. Many museums have origins rooted in cisheteropatriarchy and colonialism, historically refincorcing the perspectives of the dominant cultural group. This is changing, but the ability to curate a physical museum is still a rare, elite opportunity. Virtual Reality has the potential to democratize this - anyone can create and curate virtual exhibits. A virtual venue can be infinite - there is space for all.

What kind of things are you looking for, and how can people get involved?

I’m going to rebuild this experience every year (always aiming for a June/July release), so if you’d like to get involved in future, please get in touch on Twitter or LinkedIn! I am always seeking more LGBTQ+ stories to showcase - especially people with intersectional identities such as queer BAME people, queer BIPoC, and queer people with disabilities. If you’d like your story included, all you have to provide is a voice clip (30-90 seconds) and either 3D-scan the object yourself, or lend the object to be scanned (if you’re in Bristol, UK). I’m also seeking volunteers to help develop the next iteration of the museum - if you have experience in Unity/C#, mobile/tetherless VR, or optimization, please get in touch. Or if you’re a physical venue interested in installing the museum as a pop-up exhibition!

What does pride mean to you?

When I came out, I was called a freak, unlovable, and that I “should be ashamed” of my identity. I was told that everyone harboured this kind of disgust and resentment towards queer people. The only thing that stopped me believing that - aside from a few queer friends, and making contact with queer people online - was Pride. Pride is such a visible show of support from individuals and organisations, that it became impossible for me to believe that I should be ashamed. Even the festival being called “Pride” was a powerful message - because pride is the opposite of shame. If Pride didn’t exist, I’m not sure I would have ever come out of the closet, embraced my identity, and been able to live my full, honest life. I am deeply privileged to be able to do that.

What’s your favourite Pride memory?

I can’t pin it down to one specific memory! I really enjoy the smaller, quieter side events; like sober meets, board-gaming, game jams, or educational talks, particularly because of the incredible people I’ve met there. I performed at Bristol Pride 2018, delivering a talk about LGBTQ+ in the Animal Kingdom, which was a wonderful experience. Pride is one of the only times/places when I feel total freedom to dress and express myself however I want (the other is Halloween) so I also enjoy experimenting with my appearance and clothing during the festival. And finally, I love the dog show!

Proud supporter of Bristol Pride

The Planning Inspectorate has been based in Bristol for more than 40 years, helping communities in England and Wales shape the places where they live.

We are committed to being a more inclusive and diverse organisation, and this year joined Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme as we continue this journey.

Find out more about us at planninginspectorate.gov.uk

Pride Memories