The Rainbow Flag is flying at the St Kilda Town Hall ahead of Sunday’s (3 February) Midsumma Pride March.
Starting earlier at 11am this year, this is the first time thousands of marchers will pass Council’s rainbow road as they make their way down Fitzroy Street to the Catani Gardens for the post-Pride celebrations.
Mayor Dick Gross said Council had been a major sponsor since the March took its first steps 24 years ago.
“This year, we have contributed $90,000 in cash and at least $10,000 worth of in-kind support to this important event,” Cr Gross said. “The March symbolises everything our City stands for – inclusion, diversity and equality.
“We couldn’t be prouder that our City is known as the home of the Pride March and our Council contingent will again be marching to show our respect for Victoria’s – and Port Phillip’s – LGBTQI communities and all they contribute.”
Cr Gross said Council is looking forward to the Victorian Pride Centre featuring prominently on the Fitzroy Street landscape at future marches.
“We contributed $13 million to the Pride Centre as this will be a fantastic addition to our City, right in the heart of St Kilda.
“Our support for the Pride Centre, the annual Rainbow Flag ceremony, the rainbow road, and our longstanding sponsorship of the Pride March are just some of the ways our Council demonstrates its commitment to promoting a fair, just, tolerant, welcoming and inclusive community.”
Midsumma CEO Karen Bryant said both the Midsumma Festival, now in its 32nd year, and the Midsumma Pride March, had enjoyed a long and positive relationship with Council.
“Last year the Midsumma Festival had 265,000 attendees, including those marching or supporting the Pride March,” Ms Bryant said.
“This makes it one of the biggest Festivals in Victoria and shows Midsumma is not just a niche event. It is about true inclusivity and is being enjoyed and embraced by the whole community. We are excited about the prospect of a record crowd at Pride on Sunday.”
For details about the Midsumma Pride March, including road closures, go to: http://www.portphillip.vic.gov.au/events-calendar.htm or https://midsumma.org.au
