Fitzroy Street transformed into a sea of rainbows, as thousands took to the streets of Melbourne to celebrate the annual Midsumma Pride March — a beloved event in the LGBTQIA+ calendar that continues to grow in spirit, solidarity and colour each year.
From 10:30 am, on Sunday the 1st of February, community groups, families, individuals and allies assembled with flags, banners and bright costumes, making their way towards Catani Gardens, where the celebrations continued into the afternoon in a more relaxed atmosphere.
Dykes on Bikes, Rainbow Mob and 78ers lead the way
As tradition holds, Dykes on Bikes revved up the event with a thunderous opening lap before handing the lead to Rainbow Mob, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander LGBTQIA+ group representing First Nations voices in pride.
Marching proudly behind them were dozens of groups, including the iconic 78ers, original Sydney Mardi Gras protestors, as well as community organisations like Thorne Harbour Health, JOY FM, VicBears, Melbourne Frontrunners and many more.
The official Midsumma Festival Instagram account posted images from the day, offering gratitude to the volunteer force that makes the event possible.
“Thank you to our 300 volunteers who support the festival with their time and passion. Without our volunteers, Midsumma would not exist,” organisers wrote.
“Thank you also to our staff, board, partners, donors and patrons who work year-round to bring this festival to life.”
Leaders, icons and glittering support
Social media was soon awash with joy, glitter, rainbows and celebration, as attendees shared snaps of themselves and their communities in full pride mode.
Among the high-profile attendees was Jacinta Allan, who shared a powerful message on social media in support of LGBTQIA+ communities across Victoria.
“Pride is about being able to live your life openly. Loving who you love. Being who you are – without fear or apology,” she wrote.
“Today, we march with pride – and with purpose. And if hatred is finding a new voice elsewhere, it will never find a home here.”
Also spotted in the crowd was bisexual AFL icon Mitch Brown, the first male player in the sport’s 129-year history to publicly come out as bisexual. Brown was seen joyfully posing for photos and joining in the march alongside supporters.
Protestors disrupt NAB contingent
While the day was largely smooth and celebratory, a small protest briefly disrupted the march. On social media platform X, the activist group Trans Queer Solidarity Naarm / Melbourne claimed responsibility for halting the National Australia Bank (NAB) contingent, posting:
“This morning at corporate Midsumma pride, a small autonomous group of queers temporarily halted the NAB contingent in protest.”
Though the disruption was minor, it sparked conversations around corporate involvement in pride events — a continuing dialogue within queer communities.
