A regional Pride Prom and a program to create short films and features celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) Victorians to be shown at a drive-in are among the activities the Victorian Government are backing to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and connection across our state.
Minister for Equality Martin Foley has announced 20 recipients of the Pride Events and Festival Fund, which helps community organisations and LGBTIQ+ social enterprises host events that help to connect Victoria’s diverse rainbow communities.
“These grants are just one example of our ongoing commitment to creating safe, strong and sustainable LGBTIQ+ communities across Victoria,” said Minister Foley.
A diverse range of events and activities across the state will receive grants of up to $10,000 – including ‘Rainbow Yarning,’ a series of workshops and yarning circles for Aboriginal community members to explore their LGBTIQ+ identities, connect with others and build inclusion and pride.
Almost half of funded activities will be in regional Victoria, including Queers on the Catwalk – an event that will support LGBTIQ+ people of all ages in the Macedon Ranges and surrounds to express their identity through clothing.
All events will include LGBTIQ+ people with disability, and some will be delivered digitally, either to complement or in place of in-person gatherings, to ensure they can be accessed by all people across Victoria.
Along with providing opportunities for LGBTIQ+ communities to connect with each other, activities will improve the visibility of LGBTIQ+ people in their communities and promote understanding of their experiences.
The program aligns with the Labor Government’s long-term plan to create safe, strong and sustainable LGBTIQ+ communities under Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022-2032, which was released last month.
The strategy will drive the Government’s work to change laws and policies, strengthen state-based services and support LGBTIQ+ organisations and events over the next decade to drive meaningful change.
“This funding recognises just how powerful celebratory events and activities for our communities can be, right across this state of Victoria,” said Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities Todd Fernando. “These events help remind our diverse rainbow communities they are supported, we belong, and helps us feel seen and represented.”
For more information and a full list of successful grant recipients, visit: www.vic.gov.au for details.
Image: Victorian Pride Centre – photo by Luke David