Darwin Pride celebrates 40 years of visibility and activism

This month, Darwin Pride celebrates 40 years of Top End visibility and activism, and last night launched a massive weekend of events.

“We are in a small town, but the community is very close.” Darwin Pride committee member Bushan Joshi told QNews.

“It was really important that, especially this year, we remember and commemorate Darwin Pride’s history.”

In 1985, a group of passionate individuals celebrated Darwin’s LGBTQ+ community with the first Darwin Pride, now known as Top End Pride..

The initial festival was a platform to raise awareness, campaign for freedoms, and ensure the LGBTIQ+ community could live on equal footing.

40 years later, while their pride celebration looks different, the fight for equality continues.

This years Darwin Pride celebration includes forums, and art exhibition, workshops, queer history tours, a Family Fun Day, Pride March and more.

The journey to pride continues.

“We have gone through a lot and still are today, from legal battles, the AIDS epidemic and anti-discrimination fights,” Bushan said.

“Which is why we extended our pride celebration throughout June.”

“We’ve had forums and history walks already taking place with queer historian and activist Dr Dino Hodge.

“This is our big weekend, and we’ve invited a lot of the elders to take part, and hosted an inclusive opening ceremony last night.”

Hosted at the Botanical Gardens, the night celebrated where the community is today, acknowledging where they’ve come from, and the fights that still exist.

Earlier this year, rainbow, transgender and Torres Strait Islander flags were removed from Top End hospitals to comply with ‘government protocols’.

And the Northern Territory Health Minister knocked back a petition calling for young Territorians to be denied access to hormone treatments and puberty blockers.

Recently Liberal Party proposed changes to the Anti-Discrimination Act to repeal protections against hate speech, exempting religious education organisations in the Northern Territory.

“The Northern Territories anti-discrimination act covers 24 attributes, including gender, sex, breastfeeding and more.”

“But it has still been a bit of a journey here,” Bushan said.

Filled with First Nation influence.

Former Darwin Pride committee member Amber Sayers-Hunt found working on the annual event terrifying but rewarding.

Praising this year’s 40th celebration.

“I was so out of my depth and my comfort zone, but I had the passion and I learnt,” he said.

“I wanted Pride to be a celebration and a safe space to be, and could see the greatness of what it could be.”

“And when the final boa feather hit the ground and the Dildo Race Track was put away, I could look back and be proud of what we achieved.

“It’s not easy, but it is rewarding, walking around Family Day watching the youth proudly, safely, draping themselves in their flags.

“Stepping into the forums knowing they are full to the brim with eager audiences and participants wanting to share their life journeys, and knowledge.

“Knowing you helped create and facilitate these things… It’s a great feeling.”

Tonight, Darwin Pride hosts EUPHORIA, a gala celebration of trans excellence in the Top End.

With over twenty-one trans performers, it’s a night to honour identity, uplift community, and revel in unapologetic self-expression.

“It’s First Nations first here, we have so much pride in our Blakfellas and sisters,” Bushan said.

“Which you can see highlighted in the cultural activities we’re doing.”

“It’s the first time we’ve ever put something like EUPHORIA on, and it has a lot of indigenous influence.”

Tonight there is also a Queer Youth Prom, comedy night and networking event.

Saturday, Darwin Pride host a Family Fun Day, with performances by local artists, community service providers and more.

Then hosts a Pride March from 4 pm and a Birthday Bash Celebration in the evening.

It’s the community showing up for one another.

“This Saturday is more than just a celebration or a parade.” Party Passport Director Marzi Panne said.

“It’s a powerful reminder of what community looks like when we show up for each other.”

“In a time when a conservative wind is blowing harder than ever, Darwin Pride stands bright as joyful resistance.

“It’s about visibility, connection, and lifting each other up.

“For 40 years, our Pride has been shaped by First Nations voices, queer joy, and fierce love, and this weekend, we honour every LGBTQIA+ person who was brave enough to be visible.

“Who made space for us to be here in this moment, proud and together.

“Darwin people know how to make their own fun, so look out!.

“It’s not just a party, it’s a promise: that no matter who you are, you belong.”

Seeing how Darwin’s LGBTQIA+ community and the Darwin Pride committee have created a powerful celebration of the past and present is truly inspiring.

“It’s quite emotional,” Bushan said, who has only been in the Northern Territory for two years.

“I’m a brown person of Indian origin, and it means a lot that we respect culture and country, and also respect queerness together.”

“Remembering how we got here from our elders, both First Nations elders and queer.

“Who has given us the freedom we have now.

“We use that energy and power to go forward, and that’s quite unique compared to other Pride celebrations throughout the country.”

Happy 40th Darwin Pride.

Check out the full listing of events for Darwin Pride here.