Newcastle is getting the party started ahead of the official Sydney WorldPride festivities this month, with a series of events to celebrate and support the LGBTIQ+ community.
The city will be buzzing with options for locals and visitors wanting to embrace the inclusive atmosphere, from City of Newcastle initiatives to community-led activities and the only regional event on the Sydney WorldPride calendar.
Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said City of Newcastle is committed to celebrating our diverse community.
"City of Newcastle has shown support to our LGBTIQ+ community through a number of initiatives in recent years, including flying the Progress Pride flag at City Hall during significant LGBTIQ+ days and events, the establishment of a rainbow walk in Islington Park, support of the 'yes' campaign and marriage equality and sponsorship of Newcastle Pride Festival," Cr Clausen said.
"Our city is one of the most inclusive cities in Australia, with Newcastle responsible for one of the highest 'yes' vote of any city during the marriage equality vote, so we can't wait to make the most of the Sydney WorldPride atmosphere to showcase what Newcastle has to offer."
CN's Night Galleries installation at Kuwami Place on Hunter Street will set the mood on Friday 17 February with the launch of the Inside/Out art exhibition curated by Newcastle Art Gallery and Queer & Now founder Jasmine Fletcher, showcasing works by local artists with those from the Gallery's collection.
The Inside/Out exhibition launch party will kick off at 5pm at Kuwami Place and feature an incredible line-up of performers, as well as market stalls and delicious Vietnamese street food available for purchase from Yen's Yumm Banhs.
The pre-party atmosphere will make its way to the Civic Theatre from 8.30pm for the disco-driven roller-skating spectacular of cult 80s classic Xanadu, starring Australian icon Olivia Newton-John.
Newcastle Pride and Queer & Now will bring the community together in a show of pride along the Newcastle Foreshore on 18 February with the colourful, community-based outdoor parade from 10am, while Newcastle's official WorldPride event will kick off from 6pm that night when Pink Salt serves up a signature culinary experience and entertainment extravaganza at The Station.
Locals who can't make it to Sydney for Mardi Gras on 25 February will still be able to enjoy the glitz and glamour of the world-renowned parade thanks to City of Newcastle with (virtual) front row seats at the Parade in the Park watch party at Museum Park, while budding writers will have the chance to hone their voice at a free LGBTIQ+ writing workshop at Newcastle Library on 4 March.
Encouraging connection, collaboration and change will be the focus of a Pride Forum being held at Fort Scratchley on 17 March in conjunction with City of Newcastle, trans queer brains trust (tqbt) and ACON. The free networking and planning event will tap into the energy generated by WorldPride to discuss the social changes and action that matter to the LGBTIQ+ communities of Newcastle. The forum will also assist in progressing CN's draft Local Social Strategy, which strives to create a socially just and inclusive place for all.
A more informal focus on inclusion among all ages will continue with Newcastle Library's regular family-friendly Rainbow Storytime events led by Newcastle's own Timberlina, with upcoming sessions on 25 March, 22 April and 20 May.
City of Newcastle will also fly the Progress Pride Flag above City Hall for the duration of Sydney WorldPride 2023, which runs from 17 February to 5 Mach.
For more details on all the events happening in Newcastle visit whatson.newcastle.nsw.gov.au/
