Pride Month has officially kicked off with a range of upcoming events across the Territory. See the list of highlights.
Top End Pride deputy chair David Toro and Sugarbag Festival co-curator Ben Graetz have kicked off Pride Month in Darwin, NT
Joining in with celebrations across the world this June, the festivities kick off with Sugarbag Festival in Darwin this weekend before travelling to Palmerston, Katherine and back.
Top End Pride deputy chair David Toro said the month’s final four-day event – which is headlining Darwin-born “international EDM icon” VASSY – would be the biggest Pride program so far.
Pride Month festivities will run across the Northern Territory this June. Dion Padan, Equality and Inclusion Minister Lauren Moss, Ben Graetz and David Toro officially launched the month-long celebration on Tuesday. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
“Our theme this year is embrace difference, somewhere different,” he said.
“We have over 30 different events – there is literally an event for everyone.
“At (each) of these events we’re providing a platform to amplify diversity, inclusivity and creativity.”
The LGBTIQ+ community came together to paint over the Darwin rainbow flag mural, which has been vandalised three times this year alone. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
It comes just months after repeated vandal attacks on the rainbow flag mural in Austin Lane, which Darwin drag performer Ben Graetz said impacted the entire community.
Mr Graetz, who is also the Sugarbag Festival co-curator, said Pride Month was about achieving equality for all.
“We are having great parties and we are having great events, but at the core of it we are still fighting for equality,” he said.
“It’s about celebrating us as a community, and love always wins.”
Pride Month kicks off with Sugarbag Festival this weekend. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin
Mr Graetz, who is a Iwaidja, Malak Malak and Torres Strait Islander man, said 50 per cent of the Sugarbag Festival program involved First Nations queer artists.
Equality and Inclusion Minister Lauren Moss said the upcoming events acknowledged the “trailblazers” of the community.
“We acknowledge the history of pride and the many fights that have happened over many decades for rights,” she said.
Pride Month highlights
Sugarbag Festival – June 2-4
‘Inflatable hives’, queer storytelling, street art, cabaret, outdoor films
Palmerston Pride – June 10
Bingo, comedy and writers workshops at Palmerston Library before the Pride on Frances Street Party from 5pm
Katherine Pride – June 16-18
Live music, ‘Drag Brunch’, cabaret bingo and a family fun day
Darwin Pride – June 22-25
More than 30 events including a VASSY-headlined music festival, comedy and cabaret
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