Victoria's Pride Regional Activations
Artwork by Elwyn Murray
To ensure statewide representation of LGBTQIA+ arts and cultures. Victoria's Pride commissioned community groups, organisations and artists in regional Victoria to facilitate involvement in Victoria's Pride event activities, either in the lead-up to or on the day of Victoria's Pride one-day street party in Melbourne’s inner north.
To find out about the Victoria's Pride Street Party, visit midsumma.org.au/vicpride
Colour My World - The Goulburn Valley Experience
Regional creatives will showcase queer and queer-friendly art throughout the Goulburn Valley, culminating in exhibitions across North-East Victoria.
Join us in Shepparton at the OUTintheOPEN Festival Carnival Day on Saturday, 9 November 2024, for creative workshops featuring art, poetry, stories, and song. Spanning towns across the region, LGBTIQA+ communities of all ages, abilities, and cultures will collaborate with local groups to highlight regional queer icons, 'hero' items, and history through various artistic expressions.
Our exhibition will "colour your world" now and into the future.
WHEN: 7 November 2024 - 9 February 2025
WHERE: Greater Shepparton and various venues across The Goulburn Valley
TICKETS: FREE - Ticketing info to come
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Goulburn Valley Pride Inc.
Queer Cakes & Butch Bakes A Community Bake-off with Pride
Get Ready to Crumble!
Castlemaine Pride invites you to bake, come together and eat cake! With 6 exciting prize categories to enter:
CAKE CATEGORIES:
Gayest Cake: Yass queen…unleash your inner diva!
Best Tart: If pastry is your passion, you can puff up or get short.
Beyond the Binary: Most non-conforming flavour palette.
This cake is ‘brat’: Best youth entry under the age of 18.
Deadliest Cake: Most fabulous feature of native ingredients.
I’m Sweet Enough: Best entry for alternative dietary requirements.
‘People's Choice’ Award: Power to the people!
JUDGES:
Johnny Baker, Bar Midland, Ratbag Food & Wine, Superhero and Dhelkaya Health.
There are some fabulous prizes on offer to the winner of each category! Register by Monday 4th November at catlemainepride.org.au
Join us for a day of delicious food, music, and fun. Whether baking or just enjoying the vibe, everyone’s welcome! Enjoy entertainment from queer cowgirl Jess Parker and a tea party by the Silver Rainbow Social Club.
Open to all ages, the LGBTQIA+ community, and allies.
Grab your apron—the competition will be fierce!
WHEN: 10 November 2024: 11am-2pm
- 9:30-10:30am: Cake delivery
- 11:00am: Event Starts
- 11:30am: Judging Commences
- 12:30pm: Presentations
- 2:00pm: Event Concludes
WHERE: Wesley Hill Hall, 149 Pyrenees Hwy (Duke St), Wesley Hill, Castlemaine
TICKETS: FREE
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Quiet and/or Low Sensory Space, Step Free Access, Relaxed Performance, Open Captions
BY: Castlemaine Pride & Castlemaine Community House
Seasons Along Rivers Short Film and Community Gathering
Set in Mildura, where the Murray and Darling rivers converge, the film uses the symbol of rivers to reflect the resilience and mobility of queer migrants. This cinematic work aims to connect multicultural and local queer communities to celebrate identities and experiences through a film screening and community gathering in Mildura area.
By using the Mighty Murray River and Gentle Darling River to tell a romantic story and reflect queer women's pride, fierceness, and tenderness in the intersectionality, this film showcases the untold voices of migrant queers, encompassing diverse experiences and identities, and highlighting unique migration journeys. It will shed light on multicultural queer experiences.
WHEN: November 2024 (Pre-Production) | December 2024 (Filming) | January 2025 (Pre-Screening & Community Gathering)
WHERE: Mildura & Murray River
TICKETS: FREE - Screening info to come
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Quiet an/or Low Sensory Space, Closed Captions
BY: Lesley Luo & Feifei Curiosity
Picture Me
Join us for Picture Me, a one-day event celebrating LGBTIQA+ self-expression and identity at the Warragul Goods Shed, hosted by Baw Baw Shire Council and Gippsland Pride Festival 2024. This event fosters visibility and connection in rural communities.
WHEN: 23 November 2024 11:00am
WHERE: Warragul Goods Shed, Warragul Station, Alfred St, Warragul
TICKETS: FREE
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Picture Me
Party in Pride
Party in Pride, presented by Drag'd Out Beechworth, is a full day of free, community-focused events. Start with street art installations, followed by Drag Storytime for Rainbow families. Enjoy an intimate Q&A with Portia Turbo, the Queen of Tupperware, and comedy queen Strewth from Wagga Wagga.
Join the open forum, hosted by local advocate Mieke, for personal stories about coming out and living proud in regional areas. From 12pm-8pm, visit the pop-up art station to create your vision of Pride, which will be archived for the future. Later, Cherry Poppins will glam up the youth before the Rainbow Ball, featuring drag makeovers and a 360 Video Booth.
All events are free and open to all ages. More fabulous Drag'd Out events can be found on our website.
WHEN: 23 November 2024 11am
WHERE: Beechworth
- Street Art Installation - footpath between the Memorial Hall, 101 Ford St and the Town Hall, 103 Ford St
- Street Beechworth. Drag Storytime, Q&A and Open Forum - Town Hall, 103 Ford St, Beechworth.
- Art Pop-up - What Pride Means to Me - Memorial Hall, 101 Ford St, Beechworth.
- Rainbow Ball pre-party Glam Makeovers - Memorial Hall, 101 Ford St, Beechworth.
TICKETS: FREE
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Quiet an/or Low Sensory Space, Step Free Access, Relaxed Performance
There are some physical access limits due to heritage listing restrictions
The Drag Storytime, Q&A, and Forum will be held at the Town Hall. While ramp access is available, the heritage building's internal ramp may not accommodate all mobility devices. An accessible bathroom is available.
The art pop-up and drag makeovers with Cherry Poppins will take place at the fully accessible Memorial Hall.
Please note, the town has frequent tripping hazards, including cobblestones, deep granite gutters, and heritage footpaths, with limited accessible bathroom facilities.
BY: Drag'd Out Beechworth Incorporated
FAB FRENZY
Get ready to unleash your inner fabulousness at FAB FRENZY! Join DANDROGYNY and friends for a FREE night of dance, DJ performances, laughter, and LOVE in celebration of LGBTQIA+ PRIDE. Wear your wildest outfits and groove to the beats of local and national talents.
This is your chance to shine and celebrate diversity in a space where RESPECT is paramount! With Auslan interpretation, everyone is invited to join the fun. Grab your bio-glitter and bring your friends—let’s create sparkling memories! See you on the dance floor!
Allies are very welcome. Some themes may be visually or emotionally confronting.
We acknowledge the (Dhauwurd Wurrung) Gunditjmara peoples as the Traditional Owners of this land and pay deep respect to Elders past and present, and to all First Nations peoples.
Digital Artwork by Glynn Urquhart.
WHEN: 30 November 2024, 7:00pm
WHERE: The Dart & Marlin - Rear Beer Garden - 216 Timor St, Warrnambool
TICKETS: FREE 18 +
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Auslan Interpreted, Step Free Access
BY: DANDROGYNY
"Now I See Colour" - A Pride Music Video
The "Now I See Colour" project is a Pride music video for Mieke Bosland’s original song, "Black and White." Filming in December 2024 will feature multigenerational LGBTQIA+ participants from across Indigo Shire. The video celebrates and empowers Queer identities while confronting homophobia.
In January 2025, a screening and panel discussion will be held in Indigo Shire, featuring local LGBTQIA+ legends who will share stories of pride, self-discovery, and the creative process. Mieke Bosland will discuss her songwriting journey and advocacy as a Queer artist.
To get involved in filming, contact [email protected].
Screening details coming soon.
WHEN: December 2024 (Filming) | January 2025 (Screening and Panel Event)
WHERE: Indigo Shire
TICKETS: FREE - Ticketing info to come
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Relaxed Performance, Closed Captions
BY: Mieke Bosland
Vanity Torso Animal Spirit
"Vanity Torso Animal Spirit" is an upcoming exhibition by emerging artist Tim Hardy at NAP Contemporary, Mildura.
Featuring still photography and film, the works explore recurring themes in Hardy's art, such as image-making, narrative, adolescent rituals, performance, femininity, and the blur between artifice and reality.Inspired by Jean Genet's plays The Maids and Deathwatch, the exhibition presents two scripted mini-dramas alongside documentary-style work created over the past 18 months.
Collaborators include Ignatz Cady-Freer, Penelope Burke, Antuong Nguyen, Joshua Petherick, Lewis Fidock, and Blake Barns.Opening in early December, the exhibition will also feature a public workshop on the themes and processes behind Hardy's work.
WHEN: 7 December 2024 - 11 January 2025 (Exhibition Open) | TBC January 2025 (Public Workshop)
WHERE: NAP Contemporary , 94 Deakin Ave, Mildura
TICKETS: FREE
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Audio Described, Quiet and/or Low Sensory Space, Closed Captions
BY: Tim Hardy & NAP Contemporary Art Gallery
Healing Together: A Pride Strength Tour
Content Warning: Sexual violence, victim-blaming notions
The Healing Together: A Pride Strength Tour features an LGBTQIA+SB edition of the What Were You Wearing? exhibition in Wangaratta, Geelong, and Bendigo. Each location will offer free healing days for queer victim-survivors and information events for their loved ones.
The What Were You Wearing? exhibit challenges the myth that clothing choices invite sexual violence. Created by Jen Brockman and Dr. Mary Wyandt-Hiebert, it showcases survivors' stories alongside the outfits they wore during their assaults.
Healing days for victim-survivors will include activities such as guided meditation, dance/movement therapy, journaling, themed discussions, breathwork, and art creation, with the option to display their artworks in the exhibition.
Information nights for loved ones will provide knowledge and skills to support those affected by sexual violence, featuring expert presentations on trauma impacts, signs of distress, and effective communication.
Curated by queer volunteers of What Were You Wearing? Australia, this program aims to foster healing, resilience, and community support.
WHEN: 10-14 January 2025 (Geelong) | 17-21 January 2025 (Bendigo) | 31 Jan - 4 Feb 2025 (Wangaratta)
WHERE: Geelong, Bendigo, Wangaratta
TICKETS: FREE
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Auslan Interpreted, Quiet and/or Low Sensory Space, Closed Caption
BY: What were you wearing? Australia
Q-Lit
Kicking off the day we're starting with a hands on family friendly workshop, following this is our unique masterclass series, Create-Develop-Perform, where participants are taken on a journey by three professional creatives to generate a new work ready for an audience.
Wrapping up the day we're coming back together in the evening for a gathering, a cheeky drink and a sharing of stories.
WHEN: 19 January 2025
WHERE: Horsham
WHEN: 2 February 2025
WHERE: Swan Hill
TICKETS: FREE
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Quiet and/or Low Sensory Space, Step Free Access
BY:Q-Lit: Victoria's Queer Festival of Words
Gippsland Pride Festival Day
A full-day summer event at a South Gippsland heritage park, featuring multiple precincts, performances, and activations to celebrate and connect Gippsland’s LGBTQIA+ and ally communities.
WHEN: 25 January 2025
WHERE: South Gippsland
BY: Gippsland Pride Initiative
Fourteen and nine months. A short film.
fourteen and nine months is a short film written and directed by Yvette Turnbull.
Produced by Courtney Bombell, Gabrielle McLeod and Yvette Turnbull.
A queer, coming of age comedy. Prepare for a feel-good film, with a splice of teenage anxiety and a dash kitchen utensil innuendo. At its heart, the film is a journey of self-discovery and queer mentorship, set in the outskirts of regional Victoria.
Logline - Freya’s shift at the regional kitchen supply store takes an unexpected turn when a local lesbian couple come in looking for a turkey baster.
Join us at our World Premiere screening, we can't wait to see you there!
WHEN: 7 February 2025
WHERE: Bendigo
TICKETS: FREE
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Yvette Turnbull
Previous Years
The events below have now finished, but take a look to give you some ideas on how you can be involved in the future!
Transcending the Narrative
Transcending the Narrative takes trans and gender diverse people from around rural and regional Victoria on a journey of writing, re-writing, and transcending their story.
Using principles of Narrative Therapy, Lorene Slade (she/they) will take you on a podcast journey from the story trans people have - or are told to have - about their lives, to an affirming, transcendent narrative of our lives. Each person’s story will explore: the story they were told, the rewriting of that story, and transcending that story.
Immersive online workshops will be held over three nights, and participants will be invited to contribute to the Transcending the Narrative podcast.
13 November: 5:30 - 7:30pm
20 November: 5:30 - 7:30pm
27 November: 5:30 - 7:30pm
Listen to Transcending the Narrative now on Spotify.
WHEN: Workshops in November, podcast release in Janauary
WHERE: Online, All Major Podcast Outlets
TICKETS: FREE - Registration required via Humanitix
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, Audio described
BY: OMNI Insight
Gippsland Pride Festival
Regional pool parties across the shires of Gippsland - bringing pride to all areas of the region. Think 'Summer Carnival' with stalls and resources, music, food and connection with community.
We have partnered with local outdoor pools and community facilities to host a day of celebration, connection and fun for families and folks of all ages.
18 November - Orbost Outdoor Pool, 10am - 2pm
2 December - Yarram Outdoor Pool, 4pm - 8pm
13 January - Poowong Outdoor Pool, 4pm - 8pm
3 February - Trafalgar Outdoor Pool, 10am - 2pm
10 February - Yallourn North Outdoor Pool, 10:30am - 2:30pm
WHEN: November 2023 – February 2024
WHERE: Throughout Gippsland
TICKETS: Registration required for free entry via Humanitix, or gold coin donation requested on the day
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Gippsland Pride Initiative
Our Queer History Museum | Under The Big Top
Local, regional LGBTIQA+ young people will work with LGBTIQA+ elders to capture and showcase their lived histories at several queer cultural/arts events between November 2023 and February 2024 (& beyond) inc. OUTintheOPEN Festival and Under The Big Top!
WHEN: 10 November 2023 – 3 February 2024
Major events - 18 November: OUTintheOPEN Festival Carnival Day & 3 February: Under The Big TOP Pride Ball
WHERE: Queens Gardens, Shepparton (OUTintheOPEN Festival), The Woolshed @ Emerald Bank, Kialla (Under the Big TOP)
TICKETS: Under The Big TOP tickets available via Humanitix
BY: Goulburn Valley Pride INC.
Queer-ways: Retracing Regional Footprints - Shepparton
Queer-ways is a project which aims to document queer stories in communities across the state. The project is coming to Shepparton (Yorta Yorta Country) as part of Victoria’s Pride 2024, a collaboration between the Victorian Government and Midsumma.
Join LUCIANO and George Keats to chart your queer stories and sites onto a map of Shepparton. The stories you share will feature in the Augmented Reality Queer Map of Shepparton, a permanent record of the rainbow community. You can find out more about Queer-ways and add your story at www.queerways.com.au/shepparton
WHEN: 18 November 2023, 10:30am-4:30pm
WHERE: OUTintheOPEN Festival, Queens Gardens, Shepparton
TICKETS: Free
ACCESSIBILITY: There are some physical access limits due to venue
BY: Queer-ways
Queer-ways: Retracing Regional Footprints - Ballarat
Queer-ways is a project which aims to document queer stories in communities across the state. The project is coming to Ballarat (Wadawurrung country) as part of Victoria’s Pride 2024, a collaboration between the Victorian Government and Midsumma.
Join LUCIANO and George Keats to chart your queer stories and sites onto a map of Ballarat. The stories you share will feature in the Augmented Reality Queer Map of Ballarat, a permanent record of the rainbow community. You can find out more about Queer-ways and add your story at www.queerways.au/ballarat
WHEN: 25 November 2023, 10am-12pm & 1pm-3pm
WHERE: Art Gallery of Ballarat, 40 Lydiard St North, Ballarat
TICKETS: Free - Registration required via Art Gallery of Ballarat
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Queer-ways
Queer-ways: Retracing Regional Footprints - Geelong
Queer-ways is a project which aims to document queer stories in communities across the state. The project is coming to Geelong (Wadawurrung Country) as part of Victoria’s Pride 2024, a collaboration between the Victorian Government and Midsumma.
Join LUCIANO and George Keats to chart your queer stories and sites onto a map of Geelong. The stories you share will feature in the Augmented Reality Queer Map of Geelong, a permanent record of our rainbow community. You can find out more about Queer-ways and add your story at www.queerways.au/geelong
WHEN: 2 December 2023, 10am-12pm
WHERE: Platform Arts, 60 Little Malop St, Geelong
TICKETS: Free - Registration required via Platform Arts
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Queer-ways
The intersection of Disability and LGBTQIA+ in Rural Victoria
A live panel discussion exploring the lives and intersections of LGBTQIA+ regional Victorians living with a disability. This panel discussion will be attended by a studio audience and be broadcast on C31 Melbourne and Facebook.
WHEN: 8 December 2023 at 9pm
WHERE: LaNCE TV Studios, Ballarat & Broadcast on C31 & Social Media
TICKETS: Registration required for free entry via Humanitix, or head to the LaNCE TV Facebook Page or C31 for the livestream
BY: LaNCE TV
Queerthentic – Regional LGBTQIA+ Art Prize
Queerthenic reveals authentic stories from Central Victorian LGBTQIA+ and gender-diverse artists in this regional art prize. These stories delve into the mundane everyday, fabulous culture, or explore the influence of queer history and culture on their past, present, and future lives.
Applications to be a part of Queerthentic are open until 11 January 2024. Entrants are encouraged to apply earlier to ensure a place. Application details are available via the link above.
WHEN: 25 January – 12 February 2024 | Celebration & Winner Announcement 3 February 2024
WHERE: The Old Auction House, Kyneton
BY: Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts Inc.
Pride Fair Day
LGBTQIA+ In the North East (LINE) Wangaratta, supported and partnered with a variety of local organisations, will coordinate a Pride Fair Day on Friday 9th February 2024, celebrating and embracing LGBTQIA+ culture, music, art and performance in a safe and inclusive space.
WHEN: 9 February 2024, 4pm
WHERE: Batchelors Green, Tone Rd, Wangaratta
TICKETS: FREE
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible - There are some physical access limits due to venue
BY: LINE Wangaratta
Bass Coast Youth Pride Prom
The Bass Coast Youth Pride Prom is a celebration event for LGBTQIA+ young people and their allies, aged 12 - 25. An event designed by young people, for young people, every aspect of the celebration is determined by the Pride Tribe - from location, food, entertainment, music, and more!
WHEN: 10 February 2024, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
WHERE: Wonthaggi Town Hall, Wonthaggi
TICKETS: FREE event - Bookings essential via Eventbrite
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: YES Youth Hub
Sounds Gay, I’m In! Picnic
A beautiful summer picnic to provide a unique intergenerational opportunity for First Nations LGBTIQA+ community, non-indigenous LGBTIQA+ community and allies to come together and celebrate intersectional Pride.
Entertainment, activities, food and more! We are also looking for volunteers to help out on the day so if this sounds like you then register at: https://buff.ly/3H6xyHL
WHEN: 10 February 2024, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
WHERE: The Old Sunbury Courthouse, 43 Macedon Street Sunbury
TICKETS: FREE event - register to attend here
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible & Auslan Interpreted
BY: Sunbury Aboriginal Corporation & Sunbury Cobaw Community Health
Celebrating Deaf LGBTQIA+ Pride in Victoria
Expression Australia and Deaf Hub Bendigo have partnered to conduct interviews with Deaf LGBTQIA+ people who live in regional Victoria or have moved to Melbourne from regional Victoria, sharing their stories of identity development and opportunities.
These videos will be presented at Expression Australia's stall at Victoria's Pride.
WHEN: 11 February 2024
WHERE: Victoria's Pride, Fitzroy
TICKETS: Free event
ACCESSIBILITY: Auslan Interpretation
BY: Expression Australia & Deaf Hub Bendigo
The Big Book of Queer Bendigo - A Victoria’s Pride Celebration
The Big Book Of Queer Bendigo is a full-colour coffee table book exploring and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ history of Bendigo and the goldfields region. So much of queer history is hidden, unrecorded or presented as tragedy. Not this time!
The Big Book Of Queer Bendigo isn’t a dry textbook but a fabulous scrapbook of fantastic lives and exceptional living. Including:
- Our oral history project, exploring local life in the 1960s, 70s and 80s;
- Pieces about great historical Bendigo characters including 1880s transman and global sensation Edward de Lacy Evans, and Bendigo artist Agnes Goodsir and her lesbian circles in 1920s Paris;
- Queer organisations including the Bendigo Queer Film Festival, Queer Country Art Exhibition, Trans And Gender Diverse Bendigo & Beyond and the Trans Clothing Swap;
- and voices of local LGBTQIA+ writers, artists, and photographers exploring what it means to be queer in regional Victoria - growing up, moving back or just staying still.
The Big Book of Queer Bendigo officially launched at the Victoria's Pride Street Party in Fitzroy, and is available for purchase from Midsumma's Closet.
WHEN: 11 February 2024
WHERE: Victoria’s Pride, Fitzroy
TICKETS: Book will be available for $50
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Bendigo Pride Festival
Q-Lit Anthology
"Out-Side: Queer Words and Art from Regional Victoria" is a poignant anthology that spotlights the vibrant and diverse voices of queer writers and artists from regional Victoria.
This collection masterfully weaves together poems, essays, short stories, and visual art, offering readers a multifaceted glimpse into the experiences, dreams, and realities of LGBTQ+ individuals away from the metropolitan hubs. Each contribution resonates with authenticity, challenging stereotypes and offering a fresh perspective on what it means to be queer in regional settings. Through the interplay of text and imagery, this anthology celebrates the resilience, love, and creativity of the queer community in regional Victoria, asserting its integral place in Australia's cultural tapestry.
This project not only serves as a platform for under-represented voices but also as a testament to the universality of human experiences across different landscapes and identities.
The anthology is now available for purchase online in the Midsumma Closet.
WHEN: 11 February 2024
WHERE: Victoria’s Pride, Fitzroy
TICKETS: Free - Book available for $26.99
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Scratch Arts
fourteen-and-nine-months
fourteen-and-nine-months is a narrative short film written and directed by Yvette Turnbull. A coming-of-age comedy filled with all the tumultuous teenage anxiety, kitchen utensil innuendo, and feel-good fuzzies you could possibly want in a queer short film. Fourteen-and-nine-month year old Freya's life takes an unexpected turn when she helps a lesbian couple find a turkey baster.
Set in Bendigo, Yvette will develop and produce the film in regional Victoria in 2024. An interactive pop-up will be presented at Victoria's Pride 2024.
WHEN: 11 February 2024
WHERE: Victoria's Pride, Fitzroy
BY: Yvette Turnbull
Ballarat Frolic Festival presents Summer Frolic
This year we're bringing PRIDE back to Ballarat and taking Ballarat to Victoria PRIDE! With 12 events over 4 days, there's something for everyone. This year’s summer program includes the return of the popular Frolic Cabaret, youth events, ND friendly events, an indigenous-led bushwalk, the Frolic Warehouse PRIDE Party featuring headliner Brendan Maclean, and a party bus taking Ballarat to Victoria Pride and back. Ballarat Frolic Festival is a unique, welcoming celebration of our regional LGBTIQA+ communities, artists, and connection. You may come with friends, or you may come alone - but either way you are welcomed and made to feel connected at Ballarat Frolic Festival.
WHEN: 9 - 12 Feb 2023
WHERE: At various locations across Ballarat.
BY: Ballarat Frolic Festival
Gippsland Pride Festival
LGBTQIA+ community and celebration across the 6 shires of Gippsland; Latrobe City, Baw Baw, Bass Coast, South Gippsland, East Gippsland, and Wellington. No excuse to miss out - We're bringing a little bit of Midsumma to you!
WHEN: 12 Jan - 12 Feb 2023
WHERE: Gippsland (across 6 shires - Latrobe City, Baw Baw, Bass Coast, South Gippsland, East Gippsland, Wellington)
BY: Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc
Gippsland's Day Out
'Gippsland's Day Out' is the first of its kind - A family friendly, outdoor, 1 day festival, in support of Gippsland's LGBQTQIA+ community. Drag performances, live music, DJ, kid’s activities & entertainment, food & drink stalls, and an indoor chill out (sensory) zone.
WHEN: 11 Feb 2023 12-7pm
WHERE: Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon
BY: Gippsland Pride Initiative Inc
Greater Shepparton's Road to Pride and Inaugural Pride Ball
Goulburn Valley Pride Inc. will curate and showcase our ‘road to pride’. Commencing with a launch event at SAM (Shepparton Art Museum) and culminating in a celebratory exhibit and our first ever Pride Ball.
WHEN: 11 Nov 2022 (launch event) - 11 Feb 2023 (Pride Ball & Exhibit)
WHERE: Shepparton - Shepparton Art Museum (launch), GOTAFE, Greater Shepparton City Council, Library & MEAC (exhibit), The Woolshed @ Emerald Bank (Rainbow Ball)
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Goulburn Valley Pride Inc
IDo Love Queer Disability
A series of hand painted photogravure portraits by PollyannaR celebrating Gippsland's queer disability community. Creative intimate illustrative portraits that are stylised around important themes and motives in each of their stories.
WHEN: 10 Feb - 3 Mar 2023 | 10am-2pm or by appointment
WHERE: Morwell (PollyannaR Gallery Studio, 211 Commercial Road)
My Self: Portrait Series
LINE (LGBTQIA+ In the North East) Wangaratta, supported and partnered with Midsumma, are coordinating My Self: Portrait Series focusing on sharing LGBTQIA+ stories, through the creation of a series of self-portraits. The program will focus on developing a snapshot of regional LGBTQIA+ community members. The project will include audio recording of participants sharing a story about their past challenges and future opportunities, to be listened to in conjunction with viewing their artwork, creating a legacy of permanent and tangible records of regional LGBTQIA+ life in 2023. The project will include an exhibition event, displaying the creations from participants at the newly created LINE Wangaratta Pride Hub.
WHEN: December 2022 (workshop sessions) - 12 Feb 2023 (exhibition)
WHERE: Wangaratta (LINE Wangaratta Pride Hub, 18 Textile Ave)
TICKETS: FREE event
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, there are some physical access limits due to venue
BY: LINE Wangaratta Inc.
Pop Up Pride 2022
Bendigo Pride invites you to join your rainbow family as part of the Victoria's Pride celebration. Live music, DJ Cliterally, drag from host Polly Filla, Gay Stuff Markets, Trans Clothing Swap, plus the launch of our oral history project and highlights of the 2023 Bendigo Pride Festival. Part get-together, part Queersmas Market, all fun.
WHEN: 3 December 2022 11am-4pm
WHERE: Bendigo (Town Hall, Library, Library Gardens)
TICKETS: FREE event
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Bendigo Pride Festival
Pride Across the Ages Podcast Season 2
A second Podcast series capturing intimate, heartfelt generational stories of Pride over the years of LGBTQIA+ people residing in the regional shire of Mount Alexander.
Access new episodes here: 
WHEN: 9 Feb 2023 5:30pm (podcast launch event)
WHERE: Castlemaine - Goldfields Library (launch event). Access podcast on streaming services.
TICKETS: FREE event
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible, AUSLAN interpreted, audio described
BY: Queer and Now on Main FM 94.9
Q-Lit
Q-Lit is Victoria’s first queer writers’ festival. The festival will connect writers and readers in five regional areas and then bring as many regional writers and readers as possible to our Victoria's Pride event in Fitzroy & Collingwood on the 12th Feb 2023. Each one-day regional festival event will consist of workshops for primary and secondary aged children, masterclasses, author interviews, readings and showcase opportunities for local writers, both emerging and established, to share their work alongside our touring writers.
DATES: 15 Jan (Ballarat), 21 Jan (Shepparton), 22 Jan (Traralgon) & 12 Feb 2023 (Fitzroy/Collingwood)
TIMES: 10am-12pm (Primary and highschool-aged workshops), 1pm-4pm (Adult and VCE-ages masterclasses), 6pm-9:30pm (Showcase and social mixer)
WHERE: Ballarat (Sebastapol Library & Ballarat Piano Bar) Shepparton (Shepparton Library & The Aussie Hotel), Traralgon (Traralgon Library) and Fitzroy/Collingwood (Victoria's Pride Street Party)
TICKETS: FREE event
ACCESSIBILITY: Wheelchair accessible
BY: Scratch Arts
Queer-ways: Retracing Regional Footprints
Victorian artists, LUCIANO and George Keats are bringing their Queer-ways initiative to Wodonga, Daylesford and Mildura with their new project Queer-ways: Retracing Regional Queer Footprints. The Queer-ways team will be documenting the presence of the local queer community, representing historical and contemporary stories in an illustrated Augmented Reality map. To document local history, the artists invite the community to get involved, adding stories to a Digital Queer Map of Wodonga through their website. LUCIANO and George will also be running digital information sessions from the 21st - 30th of November 2022 which can be found on their website, and will be visiting each community in January 2023. The completed maps will be displayed locally to celebrate Victoria’s Pride and will also be on display at the Victoria’s Pride Street Party in Collingwood on Sunday the 12th of February, uniting all of Victoria's LGBTQIA+ community.
WHEN: Begins Oct 2022, to be presented at Victoria's Pride (12 Feb 2023)
WHERE: Wodonga, Daylesford, Mildura and Fitzroy/Collingwood (Victoria's Pride Street Party)
TICKETS: FREE event
ACCESSIBILITY: AUSLAN Interpreted
BY: Queer-ways
Queer & Koorie: A Showcase of First Nations LGBTQIA+ Mob
Find VACCA at the upcoming Gippsland's Day Out.
Come along and visit VACCA for a yarn, goodie bags and Cultural activities throughout the day!
Come along, enjoy an all abilities, all ages family day out. There will be live drag performances throughout the day, live music, DJ, kids activities & entertainment, food & drink stalls and indoor chill out zone.
WHEN: 11 Feb 2023 12-7pm
WHERE: Gippsland Performing Arts Centre, Traralgon
BY: Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA)
Self Created Celebration
Pride party celebration of LGBTIQA+ people in Regional Victoria, connecting and celebrating pride history and experiences across the Great South Coast.
Featuring Jawbreakers and Scotty So
WHEN: 10 Feb 2023 7pm
WHERE: Dart and Marlin
BY: Brophy Family & Youth Services
That's Soo Gay!
That's Soo Gay; from insult to strength! An open art prize & exhibition in Kyneton celebrating the richness of the queer community’s contribution to society.
WHEN: 26 Jan - 12 Feb 2023
WHERE: Kyneton (The Old Auction House, 52-56 Mollison Street)
BY: Macedon Ranges Accessible Arts Inc
The Regional LGBTIQ+ Condition
LaNCE TV will broadcast to C31 Melbourne and simulcast on Facebook an extended panel show unpacking what it means to be LGBTIQ+ in rural Victoria. The aim is to highlight the reality of what it means to be LGBTIQ+ and living in regional and remote parts of Victoria, and to compare and contrast those experiences against that of our metropolitan cohorts. Up to six panelists will act as a representation for the broader LGBTIQ+ community voice from across rural Victoria, and will be made up of a range of ages, genders, and other intersectional backgrounds.
WHEN: 25 Nov 2022 9pm
WHERE: Digital event (broadcast from LaNCE TV Studios, Ballarat)
TICKETS: FREE
BY: LaNCE TV
END OF 2022/2023 EVENTS
Queers on the Catwalk
Queers on the Catwalk is a project that supports LGBTIQA+ community members of all ages to express and celebrate identity through clothing and fashion. Selected clothing was chosen from an October workshop delivered by The Story Costumer and the TGD Clothing Swap.
Date: 19 November, 2021
Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Macedon Ranges
Tickets: FREE event (strict numbers)
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
Produced by Sunbury and Cobaw Community Health
PIRNBIAL
Sculptural work “PIRNBIAL” (Rainbow in Woiwurrung language) examines the dual correlation between traditional culture and identity from Vince Partington's lived point of view. Vince is a proud Nguri-Illum Wurrung / Dja Dja Wurrung/ Wurundjeri / Wemba Wamba artist.
Date: 21 November, 2021 - Late January, 2022; 13 February 2022
Time: Gallery Opening times: Wed-Sun, 10am-4pm. Melbourne Pride
Where: Hearth Gallery, 208 Maroondah Highway, Healesville; Crumpler Shop Window, Melbourne Pride, Fitzroy
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By Part One Props
STILL STANDING AFTER 40 YEARS
LaNCE TV Ballarat presents a live panel discussion with 5 rainbow representatives from across regional Victoria. Through the intersecting standpoints of culture, gender, disability and ethnicity, our panellists will reflect upon historical, social and legislative issues which still affect LGBTIQA+ Victorians after 40 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Victoria.
Date: 3 December, 2021
Time: 8:30pm
Where: C31 Melbourne & Geelong, LaNCE TV Facebook page and supporting social media pages
Tickets: FREE event
By LaNCE TV
Ballarat Pride Weekend
The Ballarat Pride Weekend is a collection of events spaced out over two days. It's run by queer youth for queer youth, with a LGBT+ themed trivia on the Saturday, and a movie night featuring State of Pride, and a short film about LGBT+ Ballarat residents and groups on the Sunday.
Date: 3 December (Trivia Night), 4 December (Movie Night)
Time: 6:30pm
Where: Trivia: Pot of Courage, Barkly Square, 25-39 Barkly St, Ballarat East
Movie: Regent Cinema, 49 Lydiard St N, Ballarat Central
Tickets: Free (booking required): Trivia Night tix here, Movie night tix here
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By The Rainbow Alliance
Pop-Up Pride Bendigo
A Pop-Up Pride day in Bendigo to celebrate 40 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Victoria. Includes drag performances, live music, stalls, Trans Clothing Swap at the Town Hall, short films from Bendigo Queer Film Festival, exhibitions and more.
Date: 3 December (Preparty), 4 December (Pop-Up Pride)
Time: 12pm-5pm (Sat)
Where: Preparty: The Piano Bar
Pop Up Pride: Bendigo Library Gardens, Bendigo Town Hall, Bendigo Library
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By Bendigo Pride
I Do Take Pride - Gippsland LGBTQI+ Icons & Activists
Artist PollyannaR is celebrating the LGBTQI+ icons and activists of Gippsland. The exhibition features watercolour portraits, documentaries, Ido photobooth & the Ido Support LGBTQI+ in Gippsland archives.
Date: 4 December 2021 - 12 February 2022
Time: Exhibition opening 11am. Open by appointment all other times.
Where: PollyannaR Gallery Studio, 211 Commercial Road, Morwell
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibilty: Wheelchair Accessible | Audio Described
By PollyannaR & I Do Support LGBTQI+ Rights Gippsland
Queer Country Pride - Our Time to Shine
An online exhibition that documents Queer community stories from older rural and regional Victorians. Award winning photographer Lisa White captures the essence of her subjects as they share recollections of changes over the past 40 years.
Date: 9 December 2021 - late 2022
Time: Online 24/7
Where: Online
Tickets: FREE event
Photography by Lisa White. Produced by ChillOut Daylesford Inc.
‘Pride Across the Ages’ Podcast
A podcast series covering the lived experiences of 10 LGBTIQA+ people who call Mount Alexander Shire home. Each podcast discusses experiences of growing up and coming out, with a focus on the decriminalisation of homosexuality in Victoria 40 years ago, pride now and into the future.
Date: From 17 Dec
Time: 24/7
Where: Online (podcast streaming apps)
Tickets: FREE
Accessibility: Transcribed copies of each podcast can be requested by emailing [email protected]
By Mount Alexander LGBTIQA+ Steering Group
Rainbow Signpost
A documentary produced in Bendigo by local community members, following the unique journey of two trans people. The film explores the difference between trans experiences across a 40 year generational gap, impact on community, social change and their significant others, while navigating the experiences of transitioning.
Date: 29 Jan, 2022
Time: 3pm (screening), 4pm (Q&A with director and film participants
Where: The Engine Room, 58 View St, Bendigo
Tickets: $20
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By Trans and Gender Diverse Bendigo and Beyond. See the trailer here.
Country Roads to Pride
Photographic exhibition by artist and regional transgender Victorian, James Mepham. Twenty portraits with accompanying narratives celebrate extraordinary trans, gender diverse and non-binary regional Victorians. The theme speaks to the unique journeys or ‘roads’ trans, gender diverse and non-binary people travel in life.
Date: From 29 Jan
Time: 11am
Where: Online Exhibition
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibility: Online
By Ballarat Community Health and Transgender Victoria
Wangaratta Road to Pride
A collaborative artwork by artist Lisa Bishop and local LGBTQIA+ community members depicting the individual stories along the road to Pride. The artwork and a behind the scenes documentary will be launched via an activation at the Melbourne Pride street festival, along with a blank canvas that will act as an interactive art piece for attendees to contribute their own story.
Date: 2 Feb (Wangaratta activation), 13 February 2022 (Melbourne Pride activation)
Time: 3-7pm
Where: Lisa Bishop Art Studio: SHOP 4/47 Conness St, Chiltern; Melbourne Pride
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By Lisa Bishop & April Huggins
Pride and intergenerational connection to socially isolated older people. In person events have been replaced with partnered activities and care packages being sent to participants of Switchboard’s Out and About program across Victoria.
Date: 6 Feb
Where: Across Victoria
Tickets: FREE. Please note this is a private project for Out & About members to access Melbourne Pride Activities - not open to the general public
By Switchboard Victoria
SELF(ie) PRIDE
A five-channel video work celebrating LGBTQIA+ led expressions of PRIDE and visibility in the Central Goldfields region.
Date: 1-9 Feb, 2022 (Tues/Wed/Thurs only, Maryborough); 10-16 Feb, 2022 (Bendigo, 13 Feb Opening Night)
Time: 10am-3pm (Maryborough), 10am-5pm (Bendigo)
Where: The Atrium, Go Goldfields Centre, 1 Nolan Street, Maryborough; Dudley House, 60 View Street, Bendigo
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By Martin John Lee
Queer Histories
An exhibition celebrating the lives of queer people from the past.
Date: 11-16 Feb, 2022 (Opening function 13 Feb, 2pm)
Time: 11am-5pm
Where: Dudley House, 60 View St Bendigo
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By Denis Chapman
Pride and Diversity Wings
Launch of the Warrnambool Pride and Diversity Wings mural. Southwest Victoria Pride and SWTafe welcome you to the launch of this mural, and invite you to take photos and share your pride.
Date: 11 Feb, 2022
Time: 12pm
Where: SWTafe, 197 Timor St, Warrnambool
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By Southwest Victoria Pride, SWTafe, James Cody-Davis
Camp
Camp Photography Series celebrates the lived experiences of 30 LGBTQIA+ artists who are living and working throughout regional Victoria. Make your mark and add yourself in to the giant map of Victoria, which will act as an artistic representation of an LGBTQIA+ census of Victorians.
Date: 13 February 2022
Time: 11am
Where: Peel Street Park, Melbourne Pride, Collingwood
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By Scratch Arts
Goldfields Pride
A podcast and report sharing LGBTQIA+ stories from the Goldfields region reflecting on the ‘Road to Pride’. The stories will then be presented to local councils and service-providers to say “we’re here, we’re queer, include us”, with recommendations on what local councils and service-providers can do to improve LGBTQIA+ inclusion.
Date: 13 February, 2022 (report and podcast released)
Time: N/A
Where: Online
Tickets: FREE event
By Sean Mulcahy
Think About It? Did It!
A portrait exhibit/installation of regional Victorian LGBTIQA+ elders sharing their stories and history as we celebrate and commemorate the 40th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. A series of podcasts will compliment the portraits, capturing the joys and sorrows of being LGBTIQA+ over the last 100yrs in regional Victoria.
Date: 18 March - 3 April, 2022 during Shepparton Festival*
Time: 8pm (opening)
Where: GOTAFE Common Ground Café, 152-200 Fryers Street, Shepparton (Exhibit); One FM 98.5 (Podcast)
Tickets: FREE event
Accessibility: Wheelchair Accessible
By Goulburn Valley Pride Inc
*Podcast originally played during OUTintheOPEN Festival 2021 on One FM 98.5 ‘Pride in Diversity’ Radio Show.
END OF 2021/2022 EVENTS
What is Victoria's Pride?
A landmark program of pride events and projects returns to Victoria each summer as part of a state-wide celebration of LGBTQIA+ communities. Victoria’s Pride (previously Melbourne Pride) is held across the state from December to February, with events in regional and rural areas. The tour of state-wide events culminates in a full day-and-night street party in Melbourne’s iconic Gertrude and Smith Street precinct one week after the annual Midsumma Pride March.
Victoria's Pride Street Party
Sunday 9 February 2025
Melbourne’s iconic Gertrude and Smith Streets is transformed into an extravagant street party – with two live music stages and performances from musicians and artists – to celebrate Victoria’s diverse LGBTQIA+ communities.
