Rainbow communities across Victoria will be celebrated over spring and summer with more than a dozen events and activities as part of the Regional Activation Program for Victoria’s Pride.
Geelong, Gippsland, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Warrnambool are just some of the locations to host the events as part of the annual celebration of Victoria’s diverse LGBTIQ+ communities, which is funded by the Victorian Government.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing has announced 13 community groups, organisations and artists will receive $15,000 grants to host LGBTIQ+ focused events, workshops and activities in the 2023-24 program.
“I’m delighted to see such diversity in the activities put forward by an ever-increasing number of passionate and dedicated LGBTIQ+ community groups and organisations who are working hard towards a more inclusive Victoria,” said Minister for Equality Harriet Shing
“Our regional and rural LGBTIQ+ communities are strong and thriving, and along with providing more opportunities for rainbow communities across the state to connect and express pride in who they are, events like these give all Victorians the chance to show support for LGBTIQ+ people.”
The regional projects selected include:
- Queer-ways mapping queer history in Geelong, Ballarat and Shepparton for augmented reality maps.
- Bass Coast YMCA hosting a youth pride prom.
- Gippsland hosting Midsumma festival series and inclusive workshops celebrating the lives of regional and rural deaf LGBTIQ+ people.
- Wangaratta hosting Pride Fair Day.
Leading LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural organisation Midsumma delivers Victoria’s Pride in partnership with the Victorian Government – who have invested $6.8 million over four years in Victoria’s Pride in the Victorian Budget 2022/23.
The festivities culminate in a one-day free arts and cultural street festival to be held at Melbourne’s iconic Gertrude and Smith Streets precinct in Fitzroy on Sunday 11 February 2024.
Victoria’s Pride is part of the Government’s broader work to drive equality for and with LGBTIQ+ people through its landmark 10-year plan, Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQ+ strategy 2022–32. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Victoria’s Pride – artwork by Elwyn Murray