Melbourne's iconic Gertrude and Smith Streets will be transformed into a huge street party - with two live music stages and performances from musicians and artists - to celebrate Victoria's diverse LGBTIQ+ communities.
Minister for Equality Martin Foley today announced that Australian neo-soul pop duo Electric Fields will headline the inaugural Melbourne Pride - a free street party on Sunday 13 February 2022, that will bring Melbourne's summer of pride to a close.
Set across two stages, the party will run from 11:00am until late and feature a diverse range of performers including Kira Puru, drag DJ duo The Jawbreakers, Vetta Borne, KYVA, award winning cabaret company YUMMY, art experience creators All the Queens Men, and cabaret performer Reuben Kaye.
With more performers to be announced soon, there will be something for everyone - from DJs to performance artists and even an opera composed by Deborah Cheetham and Evan Lawson.
Melbourne Pride marks the 40-year anniversary of the decriminalisation of sex between men in Victoria and will be the final major LGBTIQ+ event for summer following Midsumma Carnival on January 23 and Midsumma Pride March on February 6.
Local businesses all down Gertrude and Smith Street will benefit from the party - serving food and drink to the thousands of people expected to attend across the day, while some will be incorporated into the party with shopfront activations and performances in venues.
Melbourne Pride celebrates our LGBTIQ+ communities, with a series of activities across the state including in our regional communities over the entire summer.
Regional activities are already underway - among the first events being held today is Pop-Up Pride in Bendigo, which is bringing drag performances, live music, stalls, a Trans Clothing Swap, short films from the Bendigo Queer Film Festival and exhibitions to the heart of the regional city.
Leading LGBTIQ+ arts and cultural organisation Midsumma is delivering the events with further details of the street party to be released soon. The Andrews Labor Government has invested more than $1.9 million to deliver Melbourne Pride, as part of our broader work to achieve equality for LGBTIQ+ Victorians.
As stated by Minister for Equality Martin Foley
"Melbourne Pride is a celebration of our LGBTIQ+ communities and everything they contribute to our state - because in Victoria, equality is not negotiable."
As stated by Member for Richmond Richard Wynne
"Melbourne Pride sends a powerful message that we all deserve to feel safe, supported and celebrated."
Quote attribute to Midsumma Chief Executive Officer Karen Bryant
"We are thrilled to see such creativity already underway across the state, ensuring regional voices and stories are shared alongside what will be a street party to remember on 13 February."
