Running throughout November, the 2017 SpringOUT Pride Festival celebrates the vibrancy of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex communities in the nation’s capital.
“2017 marks our 18th year as Canberra’s Pride Festival,” said SpringOUT Chair, Mat Knobel. “We are very pleased that the Festival is both maturing and diversifying.”
SpringOUT 2017 builds on the very proud tradition of queer community cultural events and progressive social reforms in the ACT and the Canberra SpringOUT Association Inc. is determined to ensure the festival continues to celebrate the strength, visibility and diversity of our community.
Showcasing more than 30 events in its eighteenth year, the program promises the best of the ACT’s queer culture including sporting activities, dance parties, theatre and visual arts, and opportunities for plenty of community engagement.
Highlights of the 2017 festival include: Bake – grab those aprons and make a difference in the kitchen; The Dykeside returns to Canberra featuring Lori Bell (Adelaide), Bobby Macumber (Melbourne) & Dykeside newbie Selina Jenkins (Melbourne); and the 2nd SpringOUT Pride Parade will meander from ACT Legislative Assembly to Glebe Park where there will be a Family Fun Day on Saturday 18 November.
Other highlights include a tour of the National Gallery of Australia; the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Qwire presents Never Turning Back – a night of celebration and iconic songs; Transgender Day of Remembrance; a free screening of The Way He Looks at the Embassy of Brazil; author Benjamin Law returns to Muse for an intimate long lunch; and the hosting of the second SpringOUT Community Pride Awards on Saturday 2 December at the Mercure Hotel with Melbourne’s Queen of Cabaret, Miss Dolly Diamond.
“The 2017 Festival also includes our community’s standard bearers, Bushdance (hosted by Canberra Gay & Lesbian Tennis Club), which continues to attract queer bush dance enthusiasts from as far afield as Melbourne and Sydney, and the Fruit Tingles Women’s Dance,” said Sean Snell, SpringOUT spokesperson. “These community-driven events continue to attract significant and energetic crowds.”
The 2017 SpringOUT Pride Festival continues until 26 November. For more information and complete program, visit: www.springout.com.au for details.
Image: Canberra SpringOUT Pride Parade in 2016 (supplied)