Victoria Police have announced they will not participate in this year’s Midsumma Pride March, citing the festival’s new uniform policy as “a backwards step for inclusion.”
The decision follows Midsumma Festival’s introduction of a trial uniform policy aimed at creating a safer space for LGBTQIA+ community members, particularly in response to tensions and violence at last year’s march between police and protestors.
The policy, developed through consultation with LGBTQIA+ groups, Victoria Police representatives, and government stakeholders, prohibits participants from wearing formal workplace uniforms and bans armed security from marching.
“Midsumma will trial a new process which involves participants in the march not wearing formal workplace uniforms,” the festival stated.
“Trauma-informed practice prioritises safety and seeks to remove, where practical, common triggers identified as barriers to diverse community engagement.”
While acknowledging Victoria Police’s decision to withdraw, Midsumma expressed disappointment but maintained that the policy is designed to ensure a safe and inclusive event.
Victoria Police stated they had requested to march in uniform without tactical gear, similar to previous years; however, this was declined. “Unfortunately, Victoria Police will not be taking part in this year’s Pride March,” a spokesperson said.
“We believe this would be a backwards step for inclusion, especially for our LGBTIQA+ employees who simply want to celebrate being their authentic selves.”
Despite their withdrawal, uniformed officers will still be present at the event to maintain public order and safety under separate arrangements with Midsumma.
Victoria Police first marched in uniform at a Pride event in 2002, when then-Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon became the first police leader in Australia to participate publicly. She emphasised the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ officers and strengthening community trust.
At that time, 30 uniformed officers joined the parade alongside a ‘Drag Squad’ of six drag queens dressed as police officers, making it a historic moment for inclusion.
Victoria’s leading transgender advocacy group, Transgender Victoria (TGV), recently announced that it would withdraw from the 2025 Midsumma Pride March, citing ongoing concerns over Victoria Police’s treatment of transgender, gender-diverse, and non-binary (TGD) communities.
“A recent community forum and survey confirmed deep and pervasive discontent among TGD people regarding their interactions with Victoria Police,” said TGV CEO Dr Son Vivienne.
TGV is calling for systemic police reform, cultural sensitivity education, and gender-affirming data collection. The organisation has placed a one-year suspension on its participation in the march, with future involvement dependent on police accountability and progress on these issues.