State backing boosts Geelong’s pride calendar

GEELONG’S LGBTIQA+ festival scene has gained fresh momentum this year, with state funding confirmed for three locally run pride events.

The Geelong Pride Film Festival has received $9,500 to support the delivery of its annual program of LGBTIQA+ themed feature films, short films and documentaries, continuing a celebration of queer stories that has become a fixture on the region’s cultural calendar.

Entirely volunteer-run and entering its ninth year, the film festival screens contemporary and classic LGBTIQA+ cinema while creating inclusive spaces for communities and allies across Geelong and the Surf Coast.

The funding will help cover essential delivery costs such as film licensing, screenings and venue hire.

This year’s festival will run from April 30 to May 10, with screenings planned at the Pivotonian Cinema, Platform Arts, Geelong Arts Centre and Village Cinemas Geelong.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in March.

Geelong Rainbow, meanwhile, has secured $21,000 in state funding to deliver its annual Geelong Rainbow Festival, to take place next week.

The funding will support the festival’s return, after it was cancelled last year during a time of limited resources and financial pressures for its organising committee.

First held in 2018, the Geelong Rainbow Festival aims to provide a safe, visible and celebratory space for connection, pride and community.

This year’s festival will run from February 6 to February 8, and will for the first time feature a launch party at Geelong Arts Centre. The festival’s traditional Pride March through the CBD and Festival Day at Johnstone Park will follow.

Drummond Street Services, in partnership with QHub, has also received funding to host an intergenerational rainbow roller-skating event in Geelong.

Minister for Equality Vicki Ward said the funding was designed to support inclusion and visibility across the state.

“We’re supporting all Victorians to feel seen, included and supported – no matter where they are,” she said.

“These events really showcase the diversity and creativity of LGBTIQA+ communities right across Victoria – I encourage everyone to get involved.”

The three organisations are among 31 recipients sharing $400,000 in state funding this year. Since its inception, the Pride Events and Festivals Fund has supported more than 260 pride events and festivals across Victoria.