Melbourne/Naarm, VIC – On Saturday 7 June, the Victorian Pride Centre will host a joyful, vibrant and inclusive gathering with the Queer Multicultural Carnival — a celebration that brings together queer communities of colour, faith, and culture in a powerful expression of connection, storytelling and shared identity.
Co-presented by AGMC (Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council), Queer Muslim Naarm, and the Victorian Pride Centre, and proudly supported by the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing’s Festival Fund, this landmark event marks a significant cultural moment for queer multicultural communities across Victoria.
Taking place during Eid Al-Adha, one of the most sacred times in the Islamic calendar, the event offers space for queer Muslims and LGBTIQA+ people of colour to celebrate their full selves — where faith, culture and queerness are not only welcomed, but centred.
A Carnival of Culture, Community and Creativity
The Carnival features two jam-packed stages of performances, panel discussions, and artistic showcases:
Forum Stage (Main Floor):
Nina Taylor MP, representing Minister Vicki Ward (Minister for Equality) and Joe Ball, Commissioner of LGBTIQA+ Communities, will officially open the Queer Multicultural Carnival from 10:30am
Hosted by drag royalty Aysha Buffet, the Forum Stage will feature:
- Drag performances from Teddy Clitter, Dominica De La Muerte, Melissa Intent, and more
- Traditional and contemporary cultural acts, including Mexican folk dance (Son de México), Korean Janggu drumming, and Peranakan performers
- A vibrant dance set by Anna Fujihara and a special appearance by Juan Felipe Ramos Coral
Theatrette (Eid Al-Adha Program):
Paul Horwell, CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre and Shelley Karpathakis, President of AGMC (Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council) will officially open the Eid Al-Adha Celebration taking place from 1:30pm
This reflective, story-driven space will include:
- Panel discussions exploring Eid celebrations across cultures and what it means to be queer and Muslim in Australia
- Performances from the Melindo Indonesian Dance Group, Traditional Malay dancers, and the Peranakan Association of Melbourne
- A PowerPoint presentation and open mic storytelling session titled “Being Queer & Muslim in Australia,” led by community members and special guests
- Food and refreshments
Quiet rooms and prayer spaces will be open throughout the day, and community booths and cultural stalls will activate the full Pride Centre.
“This event is a powerful reflection of the communities AGMC exists to support,” said Shelley Karpathakis, President of AGMC (Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council). “Queer people from multicultural and faith-based backgrounds often live at the intersections of multiple identities — and events like this offer not just visibility, but belonging. It’s a space where our stories, culture and community are honoured and celebrated.”
“This event is about joy, healing and visibility,” said Sasja Sÿdek, Co-Founder of Queer Muslim Naarm. “For queer people of faith, especially Muslims, having a space where we can be fully ourselves — without compromise — is incredibly powerful.”
“The Queer Multicultural Carnival brings to life everything the Pride Centre was built for,” said Paul Horwell, CEO of the Victorian Pride Centre. “It’s about community, connection and creating room for everyone’s story to be told.”
EVENT DETAILS
Location: Victorian Pride Centre, 79-81 Fitzroy Street, St Kilda
Date: Saturday 7 June 2025
Time: 10:00AM – 6:00PM
Entry: Free | All Welcome – RSVP at pridecentre.org.au/qmc
This event is supported by the DFFH Festival Fund, recognising the importance of inclusive, community-led cultural events that reflect the richness of Victoria’s diversity.
We acknowledge the event takes place on the lands of the Boon Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all First Nations people.