Midsumma and the Victorian Government have announced that Australian/Nigerian triple threat performer, and queer advocate Keiynan Lonsdale (aka Rainbow Boy) will headline Victoria’s Pride on Sunday 12 February 2023.
The iconic Gertrude and Smith Streets precinct will once again be transformed into a free, all-day, jam-packed, block party for all ages, with multiple live music stages and performances from local and international musicians and artists to celebrate Victoria’s diverse LGBTIQ+ communities.
“Victoria’s Pride will showcase some of the very best LGBTQIA+ artists, performers, and musicians. Across two stages there will be non-stop arts entertainment for ten hours as we celebrate pride,” said Karen Bryant, CEO Midsumma.
Proving to be both an influential force within his generation and a powerful advocate and representative of the queer community, Keiynan’s debut album Rainbow Boy, was nominated for a GLAAD award which is designed to honour musicians who use their musical repertoire to highlight LGBTIQA+ acceptance.
Touted as the leader of ‘the list of Aussie LGBTQ+ acts to watch’ by Rolling Stone Australia, Keiynan will be treating Melbourne audiences with an impressive range of original music and dance, ahead of his role co-hosting and performing at the closing concert of World Pride (Sydney) in March.
Also topping the exciting line-up is multi award-winning musician and proud Gumbaynggir and Dunghutti woman, Casey Donovan will be performing ahead of her co-hosting gig at WorldPride in Sydney, will grace the line-up alongside Banoffee, the artist pioneering the future of pop.
Filipino/Australian artist, musician, songwriter, producer, and filmmaker, Chela, who has achieved international acclaim with her adventurous synth-pop musical style, and Alter Boy, a community collective fronted by trans/hard-of-hearing vocalist, Molly Priest, that works between sound and silence, voice and Auslan to express music and storytelling.
“It is incredibly symbolic for me to partake in Victoria’s Pride as I have spent most of my formative years living and loving here. This city influenced my journey through queerness immensely,” said Chela.
Fellow performers will include the transformative, multi-disciplinary artist and advocate, Jaguar Jonze; Melbourne-based queer bubblegum punk band Cry Club; DJ drag queen duo Kali Fornikate and Sabrina Babyslut, also known as Jawbreakers; and hot 80s all-women supergroup, The Lost Girls, with more artists and performers being announced each week on the Midsumma website.
Running from 11.00am to 9.00pm, the street party will have multiple stages with free, live entertainment showcasing a range of performances including music, comedy, guest speakers, circus, drag and art installations.
“Pride can change lives through visible love and support of our communities and the inner north street party is the perfect end to our state-wide celebration of who we are – Victoria’s Pride,” said Minister for Equality Harriet Shing.
Attendees will also have opportunities to experience wellness services, creative activities, community stalls and roving street performers, and enjoy food, beverages and goods from local traders, bars, and businesses.
Victoria’s Pride is being delivered by leading LGBTQIA+ arts and culture organisation Midsumma, on behalf of the Victorian Government. For more information about Victoria’s Pride, visit: www.midsumma.org.au for details.
Image: Keiynan Lonsdale (supplied)