Pride Is Here To Stay

Labor is backing LGBTIQA+ Victorians to connect, celebrate and be proud – in every corner of the state.

Thirty events and festivals will share in Labor’s $400,000 Pride Events and Festivals Fund, announced today.

Pride across Victoria

Wangaratta, Castlemaine and Geelong will host Pride festivals, with Geelong celebrating its 10th year, and Gippsland Ranges Roller Derby will run a Pride Cup.

Minus18’s free Queer Formal brought more than 1,000 young people together this year. It’s back in 2027.

Since 2018, the fund has backed more than 260 events and festivals across Victoria.

Transgender Victoria will deliver Trans Month – community gatherings, workshops and the Trans Visibility Awards, while Her Place Women’s Museum will host a community event showcasing LGBTIQA+ Victorian Women’s stories for Lesbian Day of Visibility.

Melbourne Rovers will field its first women and gender diverse team at Midsumma festival, while Queer Sporting Alliance will run a national multi-sport tournament, encouraging more LGBTIQA+ Victorians to connect with their communities and get active.

What’s at risk

Labor banned conversion practices and passed strong anti-vilification reform to ensure that all Victorians can live free from hate.

Now One Nation wants to roll back Safe Schools and ban LGBTIQA+ student groups. Jess Wilson won’t rule out governing with their support.

Only Labor will stand with LGBTIQA+ Victorians – and protect the rights they fought so hard to win.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Equality Steve Dimopoulos

“Pride isn’t just a parade in the city. It’s a roller derby cup in Gippsland, a festival in Wangaratta, a formal where a teenager can finally dance as themselves.”

“LGBTIQA+ Victorians fought hard for these rights. One Nation wants to turn back the clock – and Jess Wilson won’t rule out governing with their support.”

“In Victoria, our Labor government will make sure everyone can live safely, as their authentic selves – without fear.”