The Victorian Government is throwing a massive summer street party in 2023 as part of a statewide celebration of our lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer (LGBTIQ+) communities.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing has announced that the event will be part of a statewide event demonstrating celebration and support of Victorian rainbow communities.
All Victorians will have the opportunity to express their pride and learn more about the great diversity of sexualities, genders and sex characteristics in Victoria.
“Visible acceptance, love, and support for LGBTIQ+ communities, and opportunities to express pride in who we are can be life changing – and it doesn’t get much more visible than a huge street party in Melbourne’s inner north,” said Minister for Equality Harriet Shing.
The Government is investing $6.8 million in making this statewide celebration a staple of Victoria’s events calendar over the next four years.
The street party will support the Government’s continued efforts to achieve equality for LGBTIQ+ Victorians, by breaking down the stigma and discrimination they continue to face and providing opportunities for rainbow communities to connect and celebrate who they are.
The Collingwood and Fitzroy party builds on the success of Melbourne Pride – a statewide event held across the 2021-22 summer to mark more than 40 years since the decriminalisation of sex between men in Victoria.
More than 67,500 people are estimated to have attended Melbourne Pride events, including 38,000 who flocked to the inner north street party on 13 February, which showcased more than 230 LGBTIQ+ artists and entertainers.
A further 29,700 people participated in 22 activities across regional Victoria, which included art exhibitions, a pop-up festival in Bendigo, podcasts and a movie screening.
“These statewide festivitiesare a fabulous opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made towards LGBTIQ+ equality and reflect on the work we still need to do – and everyone’s invited,” said Commissioner for LGBTIQ+ Communities Todd Fernando.
An evaluation of Melbourne Pride found it had a positive impact on the wellbeing of most attendees, and boosted revenue for the majority of traders along the route of the Melbourne street party on the day.
Leading LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural organisation Midsumma delivered Melbourne Pride and will deliver the continued statewide LGBTIQ+ celebration.
“Midsumma is proud to deliver this statewide celebration of LGBTIQ+ communities, which will celebrate the many parts that make up our diverse communities and continue the journey to equality,” said Midsumma CEO Karen Bryant.
The next Melbourne Pride street party is scheduled to take place on Sunday 12 February 2023. For more information, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Pride Progress Flag (sourced)