As part of the Melbourne Pride festivities, we asked members from our LGBTQIA+ communities to reflect on their journeys along the Road to Pride; from the past to the present, and to the future road ahead.
40 years ago the Victorian parliament decriminalised homosexuality in Victoria. To commemorate this momentous occasion and to celebrate the courage and resilience of our LGBTQIA+ communities, the State Government announced a one-day street party in the Gertrude and Smith Street precinct, Fitzroy, to be delivered by Midsumma Festival on 13 February, 2022.
Meet Our Interviewees
Alan Drummond - Long-time Midsumma Festival volunteer, IT professional, gay man, teacher, runs Nomads cycling group in Melbourne.
Alison Thorne - Early activist - In 1983, she motivated the lesbian and gay community to recognise HIV as a political crisis as well as a health challenge, calling for united and collective organising. The Victorian AIDS Council was renamed Thorne Harbour after her and Keith Harbour for their advocacy work. Alison also formed Radical Women’s first international section.
Bobby Macumber - Comedian, radio presenter on Triple R’s Breakfasters, cricketer
Casey Donovan - Casey is a multi award-winning singer-songwriter, actress, author, key-note speaker. Casey was also named QUEEN of the Jungle in the 2017 series of ‘I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here’.
Dean Arcuri - Dean Arcuri is an entertainer, journalist, photographer, community darling and all-round busy homosexual. This year Dean is celebrating 16 years of Midsumma Festival entertainment as both himself and his queerer alter ego, the fabulously furry Frock Hudson.
Jonathan Homesey - Jonathan is an arts maker and manager interested in the intersection of street dance, visual art and social engagement.
Karen Bryant - Chief Executive Officer at Midsumma Festival.
Michelle Sheppard - Michelle is a trangender Woman, Trans Activist, Proud Parent and radio presenter of JOY's Trans POV (Transgender Point of View)
Renee Thompson - Event producer at Tomboy, marriage celebrant, Performer, Dancefloor Dominatrix (DJ), Creative Writer, Joker and Public Speaker.
Ron van Houwelingen - Long-time activist for marriage equality. He and husband Antony were one of the first couples to legally marry in Australia following the YES outcome.
Tony Briffa - City Councillor (Hobsons Bay), Former Mayor, Human Rights Advocate/Educator & Public Speaker. First openly intersex person to become an elected official anywhere in the world.
Wilhelmina Stracke - Actor, Equality campaign leader - Wil coordinated the Victorian field campaign for the ‘Yes’ campaign for marriage equality, Assistant Secretary, Victorian Trades Hall Council
We acknowledge that the stories from our interviewees are only some of the many stories from our communities. We hope that you will share yours or join us in support at Melbourne Pride, as we embark on a journey of equality through inspirational arts, community involvement, food, and culture.
Videographer - Haili Luxa, All Events Video Productions
Project Manager - April Huggins. Producer of Midsumma Festival favourite Girls at Sea (buy tix here).
