“What did they tell you?” By Em Hatton
A wind up xxxx
A group show showcasing women and gender diverse artist’s experience with Australia’s medical establishment.
Images by – Jones King Photography
Things can become more bearable when expressed through Art.
Words by – Marilyn Tuna 4/02/2025
I’m finding it very difficult to articulate my appreciation for Em and the team who worked tirelessly to bring together the What Did They Tell You? exhibition at Uno Studios in inner-city Sydney
From the moment I entered the Uno Studio space—before it had even been curated by Em and Deb—I was in awe. The energy was nothing short of electric, filled with passion and drive.
This passion project, led by the team, created a space for anyone wishing to share their journey with medical misogyny—a far more widespread issue than many realize, particularly within the LGBT community trans and gender diverse (TGD) people being dismissed and gaslit about health problems they’re dealing with. This issue is tenfold for BIPOC, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and TGD people in Australia.
- Before 1993, women were rarely included in clinical trials²
- 80% of people with autoimmune disorders are women³ and there’s limited research and treatment for these conditions
- 80% of autistic women remain undiagnosed at 18- 4
- For ADHD on average its 6 years later – 5
- Trans and gender diverse people are medically marginalised even further, with limited research and availability of safe and affirming healthcare6
It also affects the families and friends of the artists, who must watch their loved ones be treated poorly or, in many cases, not treated at all. We must also understand that it’s not only medical treatment that is inadequate. Due to medical misogyny and an embarrassing lack of focused understanding from a policy point of view, it is nearly impossible for anyone seeking access to social services—ranging from disability employment programs and Centrelink assistance to healthcare cards.
Even though many chronic illnesses that disproportionately affect people assigned female at birth are inherently disabling, they remain completely invisible to the central services’ searchlight. As a result, many not only suffer from medically recognized disabilities but also receive absolutely no social support. This is an embarrassment to Australian policymakers.
The misogyny runs deep and dark, yet we—38 artists—have managed to create and illuminate such light and beauty. This truly proves that this cohort of people is not only resilient but incredibly powerful. I struggle to understand why a blind eye has been turned when an exhibition like this can transform such a “sh*t situation” into a warm illumination of wonder and beauty.
While the issue is heavy and, at times, deeply depressing—leaving many of us gasping for air or clinging to what little hope remains—the exhibition, with its thoughtful curation and deeply moving, diverse artworks across many mediums, somehow created an atmosphere of hope, resilience, color, and craft. It culminated in the most electric opening night I have ever had the pleasure of attending.
There was not a single ounce of gatekeeping, ego, or anxiety—only a crowd that embraced me wholly, like a warm hug from a loved one. The space was rich in diversity, filled with people of all ages, family, and friends.
This exhibition truly embodied the reality of what we have faced—and will continue to navigate—in a world where Western medicine and societal attitudes remain deeply flawed by medical misogyny and gender bias.
Again I would like to thank Emm Hatton for her hard work and look forward to working with her and the sydney team to bring this wonderful exhibition project to Perth West Ausrtralia.
Please enjoy the images by – Jones King Photography
Studio Space – Photography studios, event and exhibition space based in Alexandria, Sydney
What did they tell you team – Em Hatton Artist / Illustrator (@emhatton) • Instagram photos and videos
Angie 🫶🏼 Counsellor | Therapist she/her
Mental health support for those with endometriosis and related conditions. –Angie 🫶🏼 Counsellor | Therapist (@endokind_au) • Instagram photos and videos
Photo by Artist
Photo by bridge
marilyntuna.art 