A pride street party that is the culmination of a four-month statewide festival named Victoria’s Pride has been held in one of Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs today.
The huge free one-day party along Gertrude Street and Smith Street in Fitzroy and Collingwood is a celebration of LGBTIQ+ Victorians which is becoming a staple in the state’s events calendar.
Attendees have enjoyed a program of local and international LGBTIQ+ performers across two stages, including headline act Keiynan Lonsdale, proud Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti woman and multi-award-winning musician Casey Donovan.
Beyond these stages, the festival site was filled with wellness activities, creative activations, community stalls and roving street performers. A range of local businesses have also taken part in offering unique specials to mark the occasion.
The street party follows more than a dozen Victoria’s Pride activities in regional and rural communities over the summer, including a touring queer writers’ festival and a vibrant pride party in Warrnambool.
Minister for Equality and former judge for Mr Gay Pride Australia Harriet Shing said Victoria’s Pride builds on the success of a similar statewide festival held last summer to mark more than 40 years since the decriminalisation of sex between men in Victoria, which drew tens of thousands of people to events.
“This is a celebration of our LGBTIQ+ communities – it’s an expression of our connection, inclusion and pride and a wonderful example of why we are the equality state,” Minister Shing said.
The Victorian Government has invested $6.8 million to make Victoria’s Pride an annual event, as part of their broader work to achieve equality for rainbow communities in every corner of the state.
A $22.2 million package to progress equality and celebrate LGBTIQ+ communities is underway and it will help to boost and celebrate vital LGBTIQ+ community organisations, looking after older LGBTIQ+ people, supporting pride events and building more inclusive health services.
Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities Dr Todd Fernando said today’s party is a wonderful way to celebrate Victoria’s Pride.
“This is an important visible celebration of our communities, their families, and their allies,” Dr Fernando said.
Last Updated on Feb 12, 2023
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