Key points
- Thousands gathered in inner Melbourne on Sunday to celebrate Victoria's LGBTIQ+ communities.
- Former Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under star Kween Kong led local and international performers.
- The Victorian government has invested $6.8 million to make Victoria's Pride an annual event to promote equality.
Former Australian Idol winner Casey Donovan and RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under star Kween Kong led local and international performers at Victoria's Pride Street Party in inner Melbourne on Sunday.
Thousands gathered in the city's iconic Gertrude and Smith Street precinct on Sunday for the annual block party formerly known as Melbourne Pride to celebrate Victoria's LGBTIQ+ communities.
Dressed in glittering rainbow-coloured ensembles, a variety of artists performed powerful ballads across two stages as crowds cheered on.
Headline act Australian/Nigerian musician Keiynan Lonsdale and former The Voice contestant Siala Robson also made appearances.
The free event kicked off with a Welcome to Country by Uncle Colin, plus a smoking ceremony and tribute to the late Uncle Jack Charles.
It also featured guest speakers, comedy sketches and drag and art installations along with community stalls and roving street performers.
The Victorian government has invested $6.8 million to make Victoria's Pride an annual event to promote equality.
Equality minister Harriet Shing said Victoria was a national leader in supporting LGBTIQ+ rights.
"This is a celebration of our LGBTIQ+ communities — it's an expression of our connection, inclusion and pride and a wonderful example of why we are the equality state," Ms Shing said.
Victorian Minister for Equality Harriet Shing addresses the media ahead of Victoria's Pride Street Party in Melbourne. Source: AAP / DIEGO FEDELE/AAPIMAGE
"I'll be the first prime minister not to watch the march on Mardi Gras, but to march," he said.
