The rainbow flags are flying and the parties are ramping up. Yes, that’s right it’s Pride Month!
Pride Month is a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community as well as a time to raise awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues.
Officially declared in the US by President Bill Clinton in 1999, Pride Month aims to promote inclusion, visibility while highlighting the achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Jamie Mackee, secretary of Newcastle Pride, said Pride Month was also a recognition of how far the LGBTQIA+ community had come.
“I think society has moved so far forward,” he said.
“I’m 62, and when I was born, homosexuality, for example, was illegal. We’ve come so far forward, it would be a shame to go backwards.
“We all have the same goals in life, the same ambition, and the same aspirations and I think reinforcing that message through things like Pride Month are really important. We have families, we are part of the community and we give so much to the community.”
Newcastle Pride is an LGBTQIA+ community-based charity organisation that was established in 2018.
The organisation works to provide advocacy for and promote the LGBTQIA+ community and overall diversity in Newcastle and the Hunter through its flagship event The Newcastle Pride Festival and regular social events for rainbow communities.
“Newcastle Pride is about events, creating safe spaces and it’s about advocacy,” Jamie said.
“It’s also about visibility - we have to be seen in the community showing what we do, showing what we can do and that’s where Newcastle Pride comes in, we run a whole range of events now, and it hasn;t been easy - we’re all volunteers - but it's definitely worthwhile.”
Looking to get out and about to celebrate? Below are some Pride Month events happening around you. For more information on the great work being done by Newcastle Pride, head here.
Screamin' Gay
Lass O’Gowrie Hotel
Saturday 17 June
Newcastle Pride’s ‘Screamin’ Gay’ is an out ‘n’ proud inclusive event. A night of glamorous and gritty performance artists, guest DJ’s, dance and queer love vibe.
Hosted by Abork, Screamin’ Gay will also feature a special guest oozing with slimy, stick realness - DJ Dirty Versachi. Dirty Versachi will perform a live set including their latest experimental electronic dance-pop banger Don’t Go Thru My Phone.
Mixed Froots
Honeysuckle Social
Friday 16 June
Mixed Froots is a monthly after work event providing the opportunity to socialise, network, meet new people or catch up with your besties. Invite a work colleague, family member or come alone.
Find out what is coming up with Newcastle Pride, let’s get together and build this much needed event.
Queer Verse Poetry Night
Bernie’s Bar
Thursday 22 June
An unforgettable night of spoken word at our queer bar! Dirty Mouth poetry zine and Sapphic poetry are teaming up to bring you an evening filled with raw emotion, vulnerability, and powerful storytelling. Our talented lineup of LGBTQ+ poets will take the stage to share their intimate stories, experiences, and perspectives through the art of poetry.
Carla From Bankstown
Sydney Junction Hotel
Saturday 24 June
Social media maven and star of The Celebrtity Apprentice, Carla From Bankstown will have the Sydney Junction Hotel jumping with a Pride themed DJ set.
Famous for her pink smokey eye and for being former NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s straight talking personal assistant (in the wonderful world of comedy of course), this Bankstown beauty will be busting out bangers all night!