Mark to be made for queer cultures

THE stories of Ballarat’s queer community are set to be highlighted as part of this year’s Victoria’s Pride program.

Presented by organisers of the Midsumma festival with support from the State Government, Ballarat will be one of three regional cities to feature in the initiative’s Queer-ways project, with an augmented reality map charting the regions’ LGBTQIA+ communities.

The city’s queer stories will be shared when the program has its local stop at the Art Gallery of Ballarat on Saturday 25 November.

Minister for Equality, Harriet Shing, said the program is a step up in highlighting queer diversity in regional Victoria.

“I’m delighted to see such diversity in the activities put forward by an ever-increasing number of passionate and dedicated LGBTQIA+ community groups and organisations who are working hard towards a more inclusive Victoria,” she said.

“Our regional and rural LGBTQIA+ communities are strong and thriving, and along with providing more opportunities for rainbow communities across the state to connect and express pride in who they are, events like these give all Victorians the chance to show support for LGBTQIA+ people.”

The Queer-ways stop will be followed by a live panel discussion with LaNCE TV on Friday 8 December showcasing regional Victoria’s intersectionality of disability and LGBTQIA+.