A Trailblazer of Pride March Victoria.
Celebrating a driving force and a beloved community leader whose impact continues to shape Melbourne's LGBTQIA+ landscape.
We honour the life and legacy of Liz Pain, a founding member of Pride March Victoria and its coordinator for eleven years. A long-term St Kilda resident, Liz passed away last week from dementia-related illnesses. Her body had stopped serving her, and her passing on Monday 27 October brought relief and peace.
Thousands of people have enjoyed events and parades because of Liz, and many now working in the theatre and events industry were guided and mentored by her. Her impact on Melbourne's lesbian and gay community cannot be overstated. With creativity, humour and a fierce sense of purpose, she brought people together and helped shape spaces where we could stand proud and celebrate who we are.
For Liz, Pride March was a powerful public declaration of visibility, courage and solidarity – a space where being seen could save lives. She understood that stepping into the street hand in hand, out and proud, could give others the strength to do the same. Her belief in the importance of representation changed countless lives and strengthened the fabric of our community.
Her generosity of spirit, tireless behind-the-scenes work, and deep belief in community have left an enduring legacy. The joy, courage and connection she nurtured continue to live on through the people and events she inspired, and through Pride March as we know it today.
There will not be a funeral; instead, a celebration of Liz's life will be held in Melbourne in the new year.
For details or to send condolences, please contact her partner Penny at [email protected].
Please don't send flowers. If you can afford it, please donate to something you believe in or reach out and help someone in need. That is what she would have wanted.
Originally published on TWISK.
