Forecast is for rainbows on Midsumma horizon
Published on 09 April 2021
Melbourne’s premier LGBTIQA+ event Midsumma returns in 2021, and for us, it means Midsumma Westside, with 24 events covering visual arts, music, theatre, spoken word, cabaret, film, parties, sport, social events, and public forums, with nine events hosted right here in Hobsons Bay.
Midsumma Westside is a partnership between Hobsons Bay, Brimbank, Maribyrnong and Wyndham Councils, started by Hobsons Bay in 2010. Together with the broader Midsumma Festival, it celebrates the LGBTIQA+ community and raises awareness for gender equality and diversity.
Running from Monday 19 April to Wednesday 5 May, people can take part in: a Rainbow Family Storytime session or Rainbow music on the deck at Newport Community Hub; a unique exhibition of the history and evolution of LGBTIQA+ culture in Melbourne’s west at the Laverton Community Hub; an author presentation on intersections of discrimination; rainbow festivities at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre; and a bus tour through Newport’s ‘forgotten lands’.
Hobsons Bay will also host The Equality Project – LGBTIQA+ Mental Health Forum on 8 May at the Williamstown Town Hall as an added bonus to the festival.
The Midsumma Festival will culminate in the annual Pride March in St Kilda on Sunday 23 May
Tickets are on sale now. For the full program, visit hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Midsumma or midsumma.org.au/info/Midsumma-Westside/
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Jonathon Marsden:
“The festival represents Council’s commitment to supporting the LGBTIQA+ community and ensuring everyone can be their true selves without fear of discrimination.
“Midsumma Westside is also the latest in exciting events that our ‘creative city’ has had to offer, including Fringe Westside and Eat Drink Westside – all of which bring a high level of cultural programming and encourage visitors to our city. It is also a great opportunity for our local community to have access to innovative, diverse, educational and cultural programs right at their doorstep.”
Quotes attributable to Cr Tony Briffa:
“As a Council we continue to support the Midsumma Festival, as well as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), Intersex Awareness Day, International Transgender Day of Remembrance and the annual Pride March. We will fly the rainbow, trans and intersex flags with pride and promote equity and diversity so that our community is one where inclusion is valued and celebrated.
“I am proud to represent a Council and community that continues to forge towards equality and breaks down stereotypes. Midsumma sparks conversation, celebrates how far we have come and reminds us all of the work still ahead. Come, support, celebrate!”