The Victorian Pride Centre has cemented LGBTIQ pride in Australia, laying the cornerstone of South-East Asia’s first Pride Centre. The architecturally iconic Pride Centre will be a vibrant community hub and a beacon of hope and inclusion to all Australian’s and beyond.
The Minister for Equality, Martin Foley MP, Mayor of Port Phillip Cr Dick Gross and the Pride Centre Board Chair, Jude Munro AO poured and marked the first cornerstone of the building in the presence of dignitaries, supporters and community members.
“It’s fitting that we mark the beginning of construction for Australia’s first Pride Centre on a day which celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots – a day which birthed the LGBTIQ Pride movement,” said Minister Foley.
“It gives us pause to reflect on how far we have come in the journey for true equality and inspires us to continue in that direction. The Victorian Pride Centre will stand tall for generations of LGBTIQ Victorians and a legacy of the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment that in Victoria – equality is not negotiable.”
The event marked the start of major construction works and coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York City – which began the Pride movement worldwide.
“The LGBTIQ community has no intention of returning to the closets of the past. The Pride Centre sends a strong message of equality and pride to our community, to Australians and our region,” said Jude Munro AO, Chair of the Pride Centre. “We are here as equal citizens celebrating pride in our achievements, our history and future. The laying of the cornerstone marks our place with a very tangible symbol of Pride.”
The centre will be the first of its kind in Australia and will serve as a hub for LGBTIQ groups, health service providers, youth groups and cultural organisations. It will provide space for groups to share ideas and resources, and will support their work in delivering equality, diversity and inclusivity across Victoria.
The Victorian Government has contributed $15 million towards the project, which will be an enduring symbol of pride and acceptance for all Victorians. For more information, visit: www.pridecentre.org.au for details.
Image: Laying the Cornerstone at the Victorian Pride Centre (supplied)