Vuk Lungulov-Klotz's film, Mutt.

‘A powerful message’: LGBTIQA+ events to receive more funding in Victoria

New support funding for LGBTIQA+ events will lead to more success stories like the Geelong Pride Film Festival.

The Victorian government is providing support for a range of inclusive events that celebrate Victoria’s diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender-diverse, intersex, queer, and asexual (LGBTIQA+) communities.

Minister for Equality Harriet Shing today announced the opening of the Pride Events and Festivals Fund for 2024-25, which offers $400,000 in grants across two funding streams for events that highlight the identity, history, and achievements of LGBTIQA+ communities.

Pride Events and Festivals Fund

• Small events and festivals: Grants up to $10,000
• Large LGBTIQA+ events and festivals: Grants between $10,001 and $25,000

Stay up to date with what’s happening in and around the region here.

The program recognises the importance of LGBTIQA+ communities coming together in celebration, fostering pride and social connection. Organisations planning events in peri-urban, rural, regional, and remote Victoria are strongly encouraged to apply.

Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported more than 200 events across Victoria, including regional writers’ festivals, family-friendly events, Pride Cups, film festivals, and music and arts activities.

Geelong Pride Film Festival an LGBTIQA+ event success story

Last year, the Geelong Pride Film Festival received more than $9,000 for its volunteer-run event featuring LGBTIQA+ themed feature films, short films, and documentaries. Additionally, LINE Wangaratta was awarded $25,000 to expand its Pride Fair Day, creating opportunities for regional and geographically isolated LGBTIQA+ people to celebrate community arts, culture, and music while forming social connections.

Minister for Equality Harriet Shing highlighted the significance of these events, stating: “Events that celebrate and recognise LGBTIQA+ people, their families, and allies send a powerful message – by creating these opportunities for people to connect, we are making it clear that everyone has the right to live equally, and with dignity and safety.”

“We are determined to support LGBTIQA+ communities and to combat the stigma, exclusion, and discrimination that all too often lead to life-long trauma and disadvantage, because in Victoria, equality is not negotiable,” she added.

Applications for the Pride Events and Festivals Fund are open until 11 September 2024. To apply or check event eligibility, visit here.

Words by Staff Writer