Rainbows on the high seas, time travel and dogs in tutus? Expect anything and everything at this year’s Darwin Pride Festival – celebrating 30 years of Pride!
In 1985, a group of passionate Darwinites came together to create the very first Darwin Pride Festival – promoting diversity, equality and celebrating LGBTIQ communities. It was born out of a time of struggle and discrimination toward LGBTIQ people: we weren’t always safe; our stories weren’t widely shared; and our lives and loves were often hushed.
These brave individuals shined the spotlight on issues that needed to change and celebrated what already made us shine. Three decades on, we are continuing what they began.
This year’s Darwin Pride Festival pays tribute to our communities’ past, present and future. We’re excited to bring to you a program that is as impressive and vibrant as the campest of tropical rainbows. The first Darwin Pride event 30 years ago was a film night.
To pay homage to its beginnings, the Festival will officially kick off with a colourful Festival Launch party (free) and Pride Film Night (ticketed) on Wednesday 30 September at Brown’s Mart, showcasing a diverse range of LGBTIQ stories on the big screen.
Opening Tuesday 29 September, the State Reference Library is getting a queer makeover – showcasing Our Queer History. On Thursday 1 October, you can travel through time on the Gay History Walk and discover queer spaces in the most unexpected places with historian Dr Dino Hodge. Then expect smooth sailing on Saturday 3 October with a merry crew of Drag Queens on the Love Boat.
Bring the family down for a day of fun and games, including a Pride Ride and Camp Dogs – Darwin Pride’s famous dog competition at Funday Sunday at Civic Park on Sunday 4 October. These are just a handful of the events packed into the week-long Darwin Pride Festival program.
The 2015 Darwin Pride Festival runs 29 September to 5 October. For more information, visit: www.darwinpride.com.au for details.
Image: courtesy of Darwin Pride Festival