The Allan Labor Government stands with Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ communities in their long fight for equality – and is proud to stand with community members and their allies at the Bendigo Pride Festival.

Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards recently attended the Bendigo Pride Festival, with people from all walks of life coming together to celebrate and advocate for LGBTIQA+ rights and visibility.

“We’re proud allies of our diverse LGBTIQA+ communities in Bendigo – discrimination has no place in Victoria.” Said Ms Edwards.

“We’re coming together to celebrate unity and pride, and the Labor Government will always stand in solidarity with our LGBTIQA+ communities."

The Labor Government has always walked alongside LGBTIQA+ communities to fulfil the words that were spoken the first time a Premier ever led the Victorian Pride March in 2015: here in Victoria, equality is not negotiable.

Since then, the Government made a world-first apology to victims of homophobic laws, fought for marriage equality, and made it easier and fairer for trans and gender diverse Victorians to update their birth certificates.

Record support has been provided to key services and Pride events right across the state, including for Bendigo’s Pride Festival – making these celebrations a staple on Victoria’s events calendar.

In 2021, the Australian-first Victorian Pride Centre opened in St Kilda, helping LGBTIQA+ Victorians by supporting the organisations and groups that advocate for their rights and needs.

Victoria’s first long-term plan for LGBTIQA+ equality, Pride in our Future, is setting the agenda to ensure everyone is safe, free and equal – and the Government’s landmark Anti-Vilification Bill is currently before the Parliament.

Homophobic and transphobic policies and rhetoric emerging overseas are causing real concern within the LGBTIQA+ community in Australia.

The Labor Government shares those concerns and renews our fundamental promise: in Victoria, equality is not negotiable