In short:
Thousands marched through Melbourne on Sunday 1 February for the annual Midsumma Pride March, led by Premier Jacinta Allan. The event highlighted continued government support for LGBTIQA+ communities, including millions in state funding for Pride events across Victoria
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets on Sunday 1 February as the annual Midsumma Pride March returned to Melbourne, with crowds lining Fitzroy Street before celebrations continued at Catani Gardens.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan led the march alongside community groups and supporters, using the event to reaffirm what she described as the government’s unwavering support for LGBTIQA+ Victorians.
Ms Allan told attendees that equality in Victoria was “non-negotiable”, saying support for LGBTIQA+ communities remained central to the values of the Labor Government.
“Supporting LGBTIQA+ communities in their struggle for equality is part of the soul of this Labor Government,” she said, adding that Victoria was proud to stand with the community and its allies.
The Premier pointed to reforms delivered in recent years, including a formal apology for historical homophobic laws, the banning of conversion practices, changes to birth certificates for trans and gender-diverse people, and the legalisation of same-sex adoption.
The Pride March forms part of the broader Midsumma Festival and Victoria’s Pride program, which receives state government funding. The Victorian Government has committed approximately $6.8 million over four years to support Pride events, regional activations and LGBTIQA+ community celebrations across the state.
Organisers say the funding helps ensure major events such as the Pride March and Pride Carnival can continue, while also delivering cultural and economic benefits for Victoria.
Minister for Equality Vicki Ward said the march was an opportunity for visibility, connection and celebration across Victoria’s diverse communities.
Ms Allan also warned that homophobia and transphobia remain ongoing challenges, saying progress cannot be taken for granted amid rising political rhetoric.
Sunday’s Pride March, one of the flagship events of the Midsumma Festival, was marked by vibrant colours, music and messages of inclusion, with families, community organisations and supporters turning out in large numbers to reaffirm support for equality across Victoria.
