Celebrating Pride Month this June!

June means Pride Month and to celebrate we’re encouraging people to get involved and make the most of all the great Pride Month events happening soon.

This year, Wollongong City Council has taken  the initiative of inviting community members and organisations who also organise Pride Month events, to promote them to the community through our online Pride Month Calendar.

The entries so far show there is so much to do– whether it be Rainbow Storytime at Thirroul Library, Dragtondra 5.0 at UOW UniBar, Queerstories at the Wollongong Art Gallery, Rainbow Formal at the Wollongong Youth Centre, and Pride Party at Society City – there’s a real variety of events to enjoy for people of all ages and interests.

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that Pride Month is an entire month dedicated to LGBTQIA+ community events that celebrate love, diversity and acceptance.

“Pride Month was first established as a way to acknowledge the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan in 1969. Today it’s evolved to become a month-long celebration that highlights LGBTQI+ culture but also the issues of equal opportunity and inclusion that LGBTQIA+ community members still face,” Cr Bradbery said.

“This year, Council invited anyone organising an event in June that celebrates our LGBTQIA+ community, to express interest in being included in our 2022 Pride Month Calendar. It’s the first year we’ve put out the call for community groups to organise and promote with us. If you have an event you would like included in the calendar but missed the deadline, please contact Wollongong City Libraries.

“What we’re hoping to do is bring together a small-scale, community focussed program of events and activities that offer something for everyone to enjoy. Our ambition for next year is to grow our networks and build interest for an even bigger Pride Month program in 2023.”

This approach is all part of Council’s focus on supporting grassroots community events and working towards making Wollongong an inclusive and connected community.

“We’re really keen to celebrate Pride Month this year with our community and we hope to see many more people make the most of the events program,” Cr Bradbery said.

“Pride Month is a truly inclusive celebration that brings together the whole community to enjoy events that promote inclusivity, respect and of course, pride. I highly encourage everyone to check out the program, book a ticket to attend, and have a happy Pride Month!”

What’s on – a taste of the 2022 Pride Month Program

For the full program, visit the Wollongong City Libraries website. Many events require bookings, so we encourage you to book a ticket to secure your place.

Pride Art Showcase presented by Project Contemporary Artspace

A curated selection of works celebrating and showcasing local LGBTQIA+ art and culture.

WHEN: 1–12 June

WHERE: Project Contemporary Artspace, 225 Keira St, Wollongong

Queerstories presented by Wollongong City Libraries

Join host Maeve Marsden and local LGBTQI+ storytellers for a night of queer stories, unexpected tales, pride, prejudice, love and humour.

WHEN: Friday 17 June, 6-8pm

WHERE: Wollongong Art Gallery, 46 Burelli St, Wollongong

Rainbow Storytime presented by Wollongong City Libraries

Join Miss Roxee for an extra-special storytime filled with rhymes, games and songs at Thirroul Library.

WHEN: Saturday 18 June, 10-11am

WHERE: Thirroul District Community Centre & Library

Dragatondra 5.0 presented by UOW UniBar

What could possibly be better than a night with our resident Drag Bingo Queen Lauren Order? How about a night with her PLUS a collection of Wollongong’s best beauties in a show called DRAGATONDRA darling.

WHEN: Friday 24 June, 7-11pm

WHERE: UOW UniBar, Northfields Ave, Gwynneville

Jackaranda Says NO To Bullying presented by Jackaranda

An all-ages variety show with a wide range of performers and special guest speakers. Some of our community's best performers and special guests are coming together for one night of the year to raise awareness and provide information regarding bullying and mental health care services.

WHEN: Saturday 25 June, 7-11pm

WHERE: Scarlett's Room, Illawarra Steelers, 1/5 Burelli St, Wollongong