Rex Turnbull The long walk home to Gunning

My painting is about youth on the journey of self-discovery and how lonely it can be for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and intersex (LGBTI) people in country isolation. No matter how beautiful the setting, those who don’t fit the mould can be subject to ridicule, intimidation and even physical abuse. Sadly, this can result in suicide. Nearly 600 young people aged between 15 and 30 took their lives last year.

This hope-filled painting shows the moment one youth comes to terms with his sexuality and is on his way home to 'come out’ to his parents. That is a very long walk.

- Rex Turnbull, 2014