Labor is backing LGBTIQA+ communities across regional Victoria this summer.
Fifteen LGBTIQA+ events will kick off across Victoria as part of Victoria's Pride celebrations.
Minister for Equality Steve Dimopoulos today joined Midsumma Festival CEO and Creative Director Karen Bryant in announcing the full program of the statewide celebration of LGBTIQA+ communities.
The program culminates in Victoria's Pride Street Party, an iconic free festival in Fitzroy's Smith Street and Gertrude Street precinct.
Established by Labor and now in its fifth year, the Street Party has fast become a Melbourne summertime institution.
Delivered by leading LGBTIQA+ arts and culture provider Midsumma in partnership with the Labor Government, Victoria's Pride Regional Activation Program supports a diverse calendar of rural and regional events.
Regional celebrations include a poetry and songwriting workshop in Beechworth and a gala evening celebrating LGBTIQA+ history in the Wimmera.
Mornington Peninsula will host QUEERmas, a celebration of community, connection and chosen family at a time of year when relationships with biological family can be challenging.
In Bendigo, Worldbuilders will be supported to pair professional cosplay artists with young LGBTIQA+ people to build costumes, props and augmented-reality creatures.
The Carroll Labor Government recently invested two more years of funding for Victoria's Pride in the 2026-27 State Budget to ensure Victoria's Pride remains a staple of the state's events calendar until February 2028.
The full lineup of events can be found at midsumma.org.au.
As stated by Minister for Equality Steve Dimopoulos
"We are determined to make sure Victoria's Pride reaches all corners of the state, creating opportunities for LGBTIQA+ artists, communities and allies to celebrate pride close to home.
"This program supports local communities to bring joyful and inclusive ideas to life, while making sure regional rainbow communities are seen, heard and celebrated."
As stated by Midsumma Festival CEO and Creative Director Karen Bryant
"This year's Regional Activation Program showcase the creativity and diversity of LGBTIQA+ arts and culture all across Victoria, with communities bringing ideas and stories to life in the places they call home.
"We're deeply proud to support these local celebrations and the artists and communities behind them."
