A month-long celebration of the LGBTIQA+ community is coming back to Ballarat.
The second annual Ballarat Pride Month will take place throughout June, following on from the success of last year's inaugural event.
More than 40 events will take place as part of the month-long festival and all will share the same theme - celebrating Ballarat's LGBTIQA+ community.
Pride Month is held throughout June across the world, honouring the movement for LGBTIQA+ rights and LGBTIQA+ cultures.
The City of Ballarat LGBTIQA+ Inclusion Plan 2022-2026 has a priority of ensuring LGBTIQA+ people are visible and represented in public spaces, and the City of Ballarat commits to hosting celebrations of LGBTIQA+ days of significance and attracting events that highlight and promote inclusivity.
This year, there will be about 40 events held throughout the month, some of which are delivered by the City of Ballarat, while others are driven by the community.
Pride Month will be launched at the Ballaarat Mechanic's Institute with the Pride Month Market on Sunday 1 June, which was the most popular event on last year's debut program.
Other key highlights of the month include:
- The Yarnbombing Project: See Ballarat's trees burst into colour and wrapped in knitted blankets, with the blankets to then be donated to the Ballarat Animal Shelter.
- Pet Pride Community Photo Exhibition: A heartwarming and inclusive event held in collaboration with Ballarat Community Health, to be launched at the Ballarat Library on Wednesday 4 June.
- Pride Month Gym Class and Rainbow Yoga Class: Inclusive and safe classes to encourage improved health journeys, surrounded by a supportive community. Presented by City of Ballarat and the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre
- Sturt Street Floral Pride Flag: Ballarat's beloved floral display will replicate the Rainbow Flag all month. Check out the spectacular display next to the Titanic Bandstand near the Albert Street intersection.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said events such as Pride Month were vital in showing support for Ballarat's LGBTIQA+ people.
"Ballarat Pride Month is a time to recognise diversity, reflect on the progress we've made, and renew our commitment to creating a welcoming space for everyone," she said.
"Pride is more than a celebration, it's a statement of unity and resilience. It reminds us that everyone deserves to live free from discrimination.
"We know last year's inaugural event was a raging success and I can't wait to see it continue to grow this year and into the future."
Ballarat Pride Month is a City of Ballarat initiative, delivered in conjunction with the LGBTIQA+ Advisory Committee.
For a full list of Pride Month events and to learn more about the event, visit the Ballarat Pride website.
