Victorian Pride Centre marks IDAHOBiT with launch of Victoria’s first statewide LGBTIQ online events calendar

A group of friends of varying genders and sexualities taking selfies and surfing the net

The Victorian Pride Centre with the support of Victorian Commissioner for Gender and Sexuality Ro Allen, today launched version 2.0 of the Victorian Pride Centre’s website, a vibrant and virtual LGBTIQ community hub at pridecentre.org.au.

pridecentre.org.au is the only LGBTIQ focused website housing a purpose built statewide events calendar and resource directory. From an LGBTIQ car enthusiast group to a mainstream rainbow tick accredited regional health service, pridecentre.org.au will house resources as diverse as the community it serves.

The site will reduce social and physical isolation by connecting LGBTIQ individuals to events, groups, programs and services both locally and online. The site has been designed for the community, with community input at all stages. It will act as a pathway to increased social connection and better health and wellbeing for all Victorian LGBTIQ communities.

The LGBTIQ community will own and drive the future success of the site. It will build the capacity of the LGBTIQ service sector by providing a platform for large and small organisations to promote what they do and connect with audiences, old and new.

Using a person-centred approach, the site will continue to grow and evolve over time as community needs and technology changes. A focus on increased visibility of those living with a disability has been a priority in the design, requiring those submitting events to identify how well they cater to a range of abilities.

The site has been made possible with a grant from the Victorian Government and invaluable insights and feedback from members of the LGBTIQ community.

Quotes attributed to Chair Victorian Pride Centre Jude Munro AO

“We are extremely excited to launch this second iteration of our online presence, with 50 events and more than 120 groups, services and programs already listed.”

“We could not have made this vibrant and virtual community hub possible without the time, insights and feedback from our community. It has helped shape a more accessible and meaningful online experience.”

Quotes attributed to Minister for Equality Martin Foley

“The Victorian Pride Centre will be a vibrant symbol of LGBTIQ resilience and inclusion –and the Virtual Pride Centre will extend the spirit of the Centre to LGBTIQ Victorians living in rural and regional areas.”

Quotes attributed to community member Sally Conning, South Coast Inclusion Network, Wonthaggi Victoria

“Glad to see the Victorian Pride Centre has gone online as a virtual Centre. It will help keep us regional and rural people in the loop. We are often scrambling for resources, so knowing what’s available through the directory in our local area and beyond is great.”

“The events calendar means we can easily know what’s happening across the state and keep our kids in touch with what their city cousins are up to.”

PHOTO CREDIT: The Gender Spectrum Collection https://broadlygenderphotos.vice.com