MALLEE Pride is celebrating the LGBTIQ+ community and inviting the public to join in.
The Sunny Dreams event will take over The Setts from 5pm on Saturday, following the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) on Monday, which aims to celebrate the community and raise awareness of the work still needed to combat discrimination.
IDAHOBIT, May 17, recognises the day 31 years ago when the World Health Organisation took “homosexuality” off its list of Diseases and Related Health Problems.
The line-up of performers is diverse and includes Barkaa, Edward Willoughby, Kee’ahn, SOVBLKPSSY, Tom of Coburg and Yauyee Euroka.
Attendees are invited to celebrate pride, healing, connection and survival through dance, performance, drag, art, stories and yarning.
The event is advertised as “safe people”, visible and approachable, meaning a no-tolerance policy towards discrimination and a safe place for black, people of colour, trans and queer communities.
White and cisgender people are encouraged to attend in the hope they make efforts to contribute to the safety and connectedness of the event.
The event is free for the Aboriginal community, refugees, ex-detainees and children under 12.
General admission is $30, for students and concession holders $20.
Tickets will be available at the door but people can register through Eventbrite or contact Mallee Pride at mallee.pride@gmail.com to be put on the door list.
Features include wheelchair accessibility, a low-sensory quiet space with no strobe lights, and gender-neutral and accessible toilets.
The venue and security staff have been trained by Mallee Pride under Music Victoria gender diversity guidelines.
Mallee Pride works to develop and maintain a visible and strong LGBTIQ+ community throughout the region.
