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 Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Equality Harriet Shing today 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.
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 Labor Government. The Labor Government 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.
More information is available at midsumma.org.au/regional-activation.
As stated by Minister for Equality Harriet Shing
“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.”
“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.”
As stated by the Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“I’m thrilled Geelong will host some of the Victoria’s Pride activities this spring and summer, with Queer Ways set to map Geelong’s queer history, this will help make our rainbow community feel even more welcome and a part of Geelong’s fascinating history.”
