Australia’s purpose-built home for LGBTIQ+ communities is excited to be celebrating Pride Month with a host of events taking place throughout the Victorian Pride Centre this month.
Featuring cabaret, comedy, creative workshops, movie screenings, classical music performances, and more, the program is a month-long celebration of diversity, creativity and community! Highlights include:
Thank God You’re Queer
Thursday 5 June: 7.30pm
Following SOLD OUT shows at Midsumma 2024 and 2025, and last year’s smashing Pride Month debut, Thank God You’re Queer is back to throw your favourite LGBTQIA+ comics into the deep end of improv comedy! Join the fun as two local queer comedians perform a set of stand-up before squirming amongst the finest improv minds in the community. Hosted by Andy Balloch, guests include Joe Dolan, Alanah Parkin, Jude Perl, Justin Porter, Sophie Power, Jenna Suffern and Maddison Verduci.
Queer Multicultural Carnival
Saturday 7 June: 10.00am – 6.00pm
Presented by Queer Muslim Naarm, AGMC (Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council), and the Victorian Pride Centre, this one-of-a-kind event celebrates Eid Al-Adha through a queer, multicultural lens. With a stunning line-up of live performances, thought-provoking panels, storytelling, delicious cultural food and community connection – this is an afternoon not to be missed.
Sisterly Acts
Thursday 12 June – Saturday 14 June
Sisterly Acts is a heavenly variety show with a divine mission. In a world where belief is on the brink and glitter is in short supply, four fabulous sisters are stepping in to save the day – and your soul. Join Melbourne drag royalty Della Katessen, HollyPop, Brenda Bressed, and Bobbee Pinn as they take to the stage to serve up sermons, stories, and sensational performances that will leave you laughing, reflecting, and maybe even believing again.
ANAM with Pride
Thursday 12 June: 7.30pm
The Pride Fund is proudly partnering with the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) to present the third annual concert at the Victorian Pride Centre. The program includes: Louisa Trewartha – Suite Water for Brass Quintet (2022); George Antheil – Symphony for 5 Instruments (1923), and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – Divertimento No. 11 in D, K. 251 (1776).
Andy Balloch – The Wedding
Friday 13 June: 7.30pm
Ten characters. One comedian. All chaos. Join multiple award-winning comedian Andy Balloch for a queer, absurd, character sketch show about love and all the things that get in its way. Dave and Tony just want to have the perfect day. Unfortunately, they’ve invited their family. From the well-meaning best man to the judgemental aunt. Terrible bridesmaids to creepy uncles. They’re all here. It’s the wedding reception you never wanted but always wanted to go to.
Into the Light
Saturday 14 June: 7.00pm
Join Australia’s premier rainbow community musical ensemble, as they embark on a journey in music, and explore the lighter side of life. Join the Melbourne Rainbow Band as they explore the spectrum of captivating musical pieces that have brought light into the lives of countless people.
Q-Lit Festival: Day of Books
Saturday 21 June: 11.00am – 4.00pm
The best in queer literature to fill your bookshelf! This is your one-stop-shop for uncovering the best and most locally written works from the LGBTQIA+ community. Along with the amazing array of works from Hares and Hyenas, and second hand books from the Australian Queer Archives, you’ll also have the opportunity to peruse individual writers stalls and meet them personally. There is also a youth workshop open to those ages 12 – 24; and a Queer Books that Shaped Generations panel hosted by Christos Tsiolkas with Jes Layton and Charlee Brooks.
MQFF Film Screenings
Saturday 21 June – Sunday 22 June
MQFF returns to the Victorian Pride Centre for a weekend program of the latest premiere titles and our ‘best of’ shorts from Melbourne and Australia. This year’s Pride Month line-up includes a homage to a legend of ballroom, gay screen icon Alan Cumming in his latest feature, and the best comedy talent from Melbourne.
Melba Opera with Pride
Thursday 26 June: 7.30pm
Melba Opera Trust Singers will present a concert of favourite arias and ensembles by Mozart, Puccini, Gounod, Bizet and much more!
Castrati
Friday 27 June – Saturday 28 June
Kit Spencer explores the unlikely parallels between the male Castrato voice and the trans-male voice, and poses the question: What if the transmasculine voice is just as remarkable as the Castrato?
PRIDE Month at the Victorian Pride Centre continues to 30 June 2025. For more information and full program, visit: www.pridecentre.org.au for details.
Image: Victorian Pride Centre (sourced)