Mildura Pride Project gains momentum

Published on 22 October 2015

Mildura Rural City Council’s Mildura Pride Project is gaining momentum with the second conversation starter event, Growing up Gay – A public conversation with Benjamin Law, to be held on Wednesday 11 November.

Benjamin Law is a renowned journalist, columnist, author and screenwriter, who writes for publications such as Good Weekend, Frankie and Qweekend. His books Gaysia – Adventures in the Queer East and The Family Law are frank and open discussions about his personal journey as a gay man.

Community Development and Safety portfolio Councillor Ali Cupper said the aim of the second event is to stimulate discussion around the issues facing the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (GLBTIQ) community in regional areas.

“We’re lucky to live in a community that is generally accepting of all people but we can’t claim GLBTIQ residents are always made to feel welcome or comfortable,” Cr Cupper said.  “Often people can feel isolated and not connected to any particular social group in their home towns.

“Benjamin will draw on his own experiences growing up as a gay youth in country Australia and the difference between city and country GLBTIQ networks.”

Growing up gay is being hosted by the ABC Mildura-Swan Hill’s Sheridan Stewart at the Mildura Brewery from 6pm on Wednesday 11 November.  While entry is free, bookings are required.

Benjamin’s visit is part of the development of Council’s first Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Intersex and Queer (GLBTIQ) Inclusion Plan.

The first event, a movie screening of Gayby Baby, has attracted wide interest with the film being screened at 6:30pm on Wednesday 28 October.

“We well and truly reached our 50 ticket goal and are pleased to say additional tickets are still available for this screening and can be purchased online,” Cr Cupper said. 

Bookings for Gayby Baby can be made online at www.tugg.com/events/56125 

More information about the screening of Gayby Baby and Growing up Gay – A public conversation with Benjamin Law is available on Council’s website at www.mildura.vic.gov.au/events or by joining the Mildura Pride Facebook conversation at https://www.facebook.com/mildurapride, with bookings for Growing up Gay available from Mildura Brewery on 5022 2988.

ENDS

Media enquiries 
Angela Umback
p) (03) 5018 8689
e) angela.umback@mildura.vic.gov.au