The Victorian Pride centre is working toward delivering RISE in Pride, a program that integrates the next iteration of TiPs 2.0 (Telling it with Pride Speakers Program) with the newly developed Emerging Producers Initiative (EPI).  

This dual program will empower LGBTIQA+ individuals to share their stories, build professional skills in storytelling, and train emerging producers to lead inclusive and impactful events, addressing a critical need for LGBTIQA+ representation and leadership across Victoria.

The proposed project combines two initiatives to expand on past successes and address emerging needs – 

TiPS 2025:  

Building on the success of the 2024 TiPS Program  by delivering storytelling workshops, advocacy training, and public speaking skills for LGBTIQA+ individuals. TiPS participants will learn to share their personal narratives with confidence, fostering understanding and empathy in audiences across Victoria.  

Emerging Producers Initiative (EPI):  

Provides training for emerging LGBTIQA+ producers, equipping them with skills in event planning, creative direction, and mentorship. This initiative creates a platform for producers to build and deliver events that amplify diverse community voices.  

Proposed Project:

RISE in Pride combines the enhanced second year of the TiPS Program with the new Emerging Producers Initiative to expand on past successes and address emerging needs.

1. TiPS 2025: Builds on the success of the 2024 TiPS program by delivering storytelling workshops, advocacy training, and public speaking skills for LGBTIQA+ individuals. TiPS participants will learn to share their personal narratives with confidence, fostering understanding and empathy in audiences across Victoria.

2. Emerging Producers Initiative (EPI): Provides training for emerging LGBTIQA+ producers, equipping them with skills in event planning, creative direction, and mentorship. This initiative creates a platform for producers to build and deliver events that amplify diverse community voices.

Consultations and evaluations of the 2024 TiPS program revealed two significant gaps:  

• Limited platforms for LGBTIQA+ voices to be amplified through storytelling and public events 

• A lack of structured training for emerging producers to design and lead inclusive events  

RISE in Pride addresses these gaps by developing both storytellers and producers to strengthen the community’s representation and capacity. 

Priority Cohorts Supported:

· Regional and rural LGBTIQA+ individuals

· Transgender and gender-diverse communities

· CALD individuals

· People with disabilities

· First Nations Peoples

· Older LGBTIQA+ individuals

Impact Goals:

· TiPS 2.0: Train 10–15 participants in storytelling and advocacy.

· EPI: Train 10–15 emerging producers to create inclusive events.

· Develop a RISE in Pride Directory, featuring speakers and producers for ongoing community engagement and professional opportunities.

These initiatives will directly impact participants and indirectly benefit thousands through enhanced storytelling and events that promote empathy, visibility, and inclusion.

The Centre is aiming to conduct workshops for TiPS 2.0 and EPI from July through to September, with showcase events featuring storytellers presented toward the end of 2025. The Victorian Pride Centre has a proven track record of delivering impactful programs – such as TiPS 2024 – and is well-positioned to eventually establish a RISE in Pride Alumni Network, supporting ongoing collaboration and skill-sharing.