The glamour, pride & winners of the 11th Victorian Pride Awards

The 11th Victorian Pride Awards celebrated LGBTQIA+ excellence, community, visibility and advocacy in an evening of pride, glitz and glamour.

LGBTQIA+ community members, leaders, businesses, and more gathered at Melbourne Town Hall Saturday night to recognise excellence in Victoria’s LGBTQIA+ communities.

The Victorian Pride Awards highlight and celebrate the work of a diverse range of organisations and individuals uniting our communities across the state.

“Tonight is about celebrating Victoria’s vibrant, diverse and thriving LGBTQ+ communities and all that you bring to our fantastic state,”

“All communities need to feel good and be celebrated,” said Victoria’s Minister for Equality, Vicki Ward.

“Victoria’s rich diversity and inclusivity is our strength.”

“Making our state such a fantastic place to be.

“Every year at the Victorian Pride Awards, we see how much there is to be proud of.

“The drive, the energy, the strength and success of our LGBTQ+ community is absolutely worth celebrating.

“Everyone in this room has made a contribution and been a part of the positive change.

“And we celebrate you, and we offer our gratitude.

“Pride is also an act of defiance, defying those challenged people who cannot or will not accept the beauty, joy and strength that comes from inclusion.

“And the pride that I see in this room tonight is strong.”

Hosted by Zoè Coombs Marr, the evening was not only filled with pride and awards, but also entertainment.

Greg Gould opened the night with a powerful opening set, and even a Madonna cover.

Jens Radda brought cabaret and flair to the evening.

Paris, Lazy Susan, Isis Avis Loren, Brenda Bressed, Kat Zowthabag, Cerulean, Randy Roy and Roxy Rawhide gave a camp drag superhero showstopper.

And Tanzer rounded out the evening singing up a storm while DJing.

Check out our photo gallery from the night here.

And the winners are?

Improving Health and Wellbeing

The Improving Health and Wellbeing award recognises organisations or individuals who run health and wellbeing initiatives or programs to improve the health of LGBTIQA+ communities.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was Trans Space.

Trans Space is a multidisciplinary health service providing trans- affirmative support to trans and gender diverse people and their families.

Run by and for the trans and gender diverse community, Trans Space connects people with experienced practitioners without the long waitlist that can come with gender-affirming care.

Upon receiving the award, Lee Taube said this was “a powerful moment for the whole trans community.”

“Older trans people in the room will tell you of a time when we had to fight tooth and nail for basic human dignity.”

“It wasn’t that long ago that if we needed access to gender affirming hormones and surgery, we had to beg.

“And it was dehumanising, and we had to socially transition for a year.

“Even after that, psychiatrists would possibly say no, it was traumatic.

“Thankfully, things are changing, we now have informed consent in Victoria.

“Thank you to the Trans Space team and the trans practitioners who are helping build our community stronger, improving the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Preventing Social Isolation

The award for Preventing Social Isolation acknowledges an organisation, community or social groups that run initiatives or programs to reduce social isolation and build connections within LGBTIQA+ communities.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was Family Access Network Inc.

Family Access Network (FAN) provides a homeless support service that delivers secure, safe and affordable housing for LGBTQIA+ young people.

They are the only organisation that offers a specialised homelessness support model that is tailored for our communities in Victoria.

“I want to share this award with young people and families,” CEO of FAN Michelle Thompson said when receiving the award.

“This recognition reflects the incredible strength and spirit of the young LGBTQ+ people that we work with.”

“To my team, partners and the wider community, thank you for your unwavering commitment to inclusion, safety and dignity for all.”

Outstanding Contribution to Sport

The award for Outstanding Contribution to Sport recognises individuals or organisations who have excelled in their sporting pursuits both in and beyond the sporting arena.

This includes those who have driven LGBTIQA+ inclusion in sport and physical activity.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was Kade Matthews.

Kade is a dedicated advocate for LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport through Proud2Play, Queer Sporting Alliance, Racing Pride and Southern Lights.

He continues to drive national change in sport, and his community-first approach empowers grassroots initiatives is helping sporting spaces become safer, more welcoming and inclusive environments.

“There’s a lot of thankless work in the sport and recreation,” Kade said after receiving the award.

“Sport is a human right, defined by the UN, and for many of us, it’s a real site of trauma for many in our community, especially our trans community.”

“Having the ability to change that narrative slowly in sport is really rewarding.”

Outstanding Advocacy Award

The Outstanding Advocacy Award went to an organisation that runs advocacy and/or social change campaigns to shift attitudes, beliefs and behaviours.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was Thorne Harbour Health’s Refuge to Recovery Program.

The program is Victoria’s first dedicated pathway connecting LGBTQIA+ family violence victim-survivors with specialist crisis accommodation and support services.

It is a partnership between Thorne Harbour Health, Refuge Victoria, Switchboard and the Family Access Network.

Outstanding Contribution to Media

The award for Outstanding Contribution in Media recognises an individual or organisation who delivered an exceptional piece of media celebrating or shedding light on current LGBTIQA+ issues.

And that award went to me, Dean Arcuri, for my work at JOY 94.9 and QNews as the Victorian Editor of our magazine.

My speech onstage is a blur, but I just want to say that it’s an honour and privilege to be able to help create space for the voices of our communities.

We deserve to have our stories shared honestly, powerfully and authentically.

And that is something I love to do.

Since QNews wrapped up magazine printing around the country, I have been trying to figure out where I fit in its digital space.

So I took the opportunity after winning the award to officially let the community know that I will soon be the new owner of QNews.

And I am looking forward to building on its 25-year legacy to transition to a digital-first space for our communities.

A space that celebrates and elevates Australia’s LGBTQIA+ news, current affairs and culture and continues to grow.

Also, how cute is my outfit on the night?

Made by Gaetano Contarino with fabric that was printed with all my work in the QNews Victorian magazine, including covers, articles and images.

Excellence in Small Business

The award for Excellence in Small Business recognised an LGBTIQA+ owned small business operating for outstanding achievements.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was Ananda Training and Consultancy.

A boutique agency focusing on intersectionality, equity and justice, they provide workshops and consultation to embed an intersectional lens in organisations.

“We are a business that keeps on asking organisations to be better, to include all of us, not just the ones that already hold power,” they said upon receiving the award.

“And we are also a business that keeps getting rejections left, right and center, even from within the queer community, because we keep asking for accountability.”

“And people who hold power do not like it when we demand not just a space, not just a space, but for us to be truly inclusive.”

Workplace Inclusion Award

The Workplace Inclusion award recognises a businesses that champion equity for LGBTIQA+ people in the workplace.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was Drummond St Services.

For over fifty years, Drummond Street Services has been supporting LGBTQIA+ communities and setting new standards for equality across the state.

“We’re so thrilled to get this award because workplace inclusion should not be negotiable.” Gemma from Drummond Street Services said,

“A workplace should be where we feel embraced, celebrated and included.”

“We continue to work hard to make sure that all of our workforce reflects the communities that we work alongside,

“A workplace that’s intersectional in all different ways, not just LGBTQIA+.

“These are the communities that we work with and work for, and we’re really proud of this.”

Ally of the Year

The Ally of the Year Award recognised an individual who made an outstanding contribution to support and celebrate LGBTIQA+ communities.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was Rueben Whyte.

Rueben serves as the coordinator of LGBTQIA+ Regional Arts Groups, which focus on empowering young LGBTQIA+ people in regional Victoria.

He provides consistency in communities often left behind, amplifying young voices and pushing for meaningful change.

“I get to work with a bunch of young people in Colac, and it’s great,” Rueban said upon receiving the award.

“To the Anthony Foster Foundation and Bowen Legal Community Legal Service, thank you for having our backs.”

Rueban thanked many of the LGBTQIA+ community members in the room, thanking them for looking “past their own trauma to support me.”

“To all the young people in Colac, this honour belongs to you.”

“You saw potential in me, taught me what your relationship looks like, and trusted me to walk beside you.”

Volunteer of the Year

The Volunteer of the Year award recognises the work of an individual who has shown outstanding commitment through volunteer work in our communities.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was Mohamed Al Abri.

Mohaned spent the majority of the last twelve months supporting queer Arab refugees through CRISP community refugee sponsorship program.

Diana accepted the award on Mohamed’s behalf.

“Mohamed never sought recognition,” Diana said.

“He showed up with compassion, and now, as CRISP have secured funding, it’s a permanent program.”

“I encourage everyone here in the room to consider and encourage getting involved in it.”

Outstanding Contribution to the Arts

The award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts recognises an individual or organisation that celebrates LGBTIQA+ communities through their artistic pursuits.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was the Bendigo Queer Film Festival.

The longest running regional queer film fesstival in Australia, BQFF started in 2004.

“When you’re just growing up and living in regional Victoria, it’s hard to find yourself represented at an event,” former director Chris Butler said.

“This film festival was a way of doing that and is an amazing experience.

“Thank you very much for giving us this award.

“And showing that our regional arts are a really important thing for our community.”

The Bendigo Queer Film Festival takes place in July, find out more here.

Community Inspiration Award

The Community Inspiration Award is decided by the Victorian Pride Award Judges.

Recognising an individual amongst the finalists who makes a significant impact through their inspirational work.

Renee Thompson received the Victorian Pride Award, a passionate queer marriage celebrant, event producer, DJ, MC and community advocate.

As she was marrying a queer couple on Saturday, Renee’s twin brother Mark accepted the award on her behalf, sharing a few words she prepared.

“At the heart of everything I do is a deep love for people, connection and creating spaces where everyone, especially women, trans and non-binary people feel safe, seen and celebrated.”

“I’ve built inclusive LGBTQ+ events and networks and facilitated workshops, and created community spaces that celebrate identity, joy and sexual liberation.

“I truly believe in the art of gathering, using creativity, conversation and celebration to strengthen our community from the inside out.

“My vision is simple.

“To help shape a world as safe, respectful, open-minded, and supportive for everyone, especially women.

“I maintain a deep belief in the power of love, connection and a bloody good dance floor.

“Which has the power to heal, uplift and carry us through even the hardest of times.”

Person of the Year

The award for Person of the Year recognises an LGBTIQA+ individual who has led the way in driving inclusion, building capacity and connection between LGBTIQA+ and broader communities.

And the Victorian Pride Award winner was Belinda Brain, known as B.

B has profoundly impacted LGBTQIA+ communities in central Victoria through CLIPS.

She volunteers and has created safe spaces supporting older LGBTQIA+ people.

“Great organisations and amazing, dedicated people have been my backbone,” B said onstage,

“Just shared values and a dedication to getting stuff done.”

“In recent years, championing the rights of LGBTQI+ people and building stronger community connections across the Macedon Ranges and Central Highlands regions has been the focus of my role.

“Creating opportunities for older LGBT+ people to build connections, confidence, and to find their voices has been the highlight of my working career.

“For older LGBTQ+ people, attempting to step back into the community in a challenging social and political environment is a lot to navigate.

“It’s no wonder we have a social isolation epidemic on our hands.

“As my friend Andrew Rogers would say, LGBTI+ people are not chattels to be viewed on the mantel or in a museum.

“But folks who should walk alongside, not simply stand on the shoulders of.”

Congratulations to all the winners, all the finalists, and every individual who helped make the 11th Victorian Pride Awards a fabulous success.

It was a beautiful night.

Don’t forget to check out our photo gallery from the night here.