One of the state's largest celebrations of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) Queenslanders will receive a welcome boost, with the Palaszczuk Government providing funding to the upcoming MELT Festival.
Organised by the Brisbane Powerhouse, the MELT Festival is a celebration of Brisbane's LGBTI community that encompasses arts, cabaret, comedy, visual displays, theatre, dance, music and talks.
Minister for Communities Coralee O'Rourke today (17 May) announced the $23,000 in funding for MELT festival on International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT).
"I couldn't think of a more suitable date to announce this funding than IDAHOBIT," Mrs O'Rourke said.
"Today is all about raising awareness of LGBTI rights and calling out homophobia, biphobia, Intersexism and transphobia.
"The Palaszczuk Government takes a strong stand against discrimination of LGBTI Queenslanders.
"We stand by our record on LGBTI rights in Queensland, including legalising adoption for same-sex couples, equalising the age of consent laws, abolishing the gay panic defence, introducing civil unions for same-sex couples, supporting marriage equality and expunging historical convictions of LGBTI Queenslanders.
"We've also established an LGBTI Roundtable made up of representatives of sexually and gender diverse Queenslanders to provide advice and ensure our policies, programs, services and strategies are responsive to the needs of the LGBTI community."
The MELT Festival will run from 28 June – 7 July 2019.
The announcement of the funding by the Palaszczuk Government coincided with launch of the MELT Portrait Prize and MELT visual arts exhibitions.
Mrs O'Rourke said funding for the MELT Festival was another example of the Palaszczuk Government's commitment to creating thriving communities.
"We want Queensland communities to be places where people, regardless of their gender or sexual identity, can participate, be respected and be included in their communities, be resilient and enjoy social and economic wellbeing," she said.
"I encourage all Queenslanders to come and take part in the festivities at this year's MELT Festival."
