Midsumma Pride March 2026

This weekend, our Spectrum staff were delighted to take part in the Midsumma Pride March, in support of queer refugees and migrants. We walked alongside our Settlement peak body Settlement Council of Australia (SCOA), Assistant Minister Julian Hill MP, and other local organisations who provide services with care and support for LGBTQIA+ members of our community.

Against the grey skies, thousands of colourfully-dressed people were gathering into groups. Some, seeing former colleagues or recognising old friends in sparkly costumes, threw their arms around each other in surprise and joy.

To our left, a shimmering flock of Latin dancers in white and red sequins tested their formations. To our right, little girls twirled in rainbow tutus. Nearby, a giant Irish Wolfhound wagged happily at the attention he was receiving by the passersby next to his costumed owner. Images of rainbows, the Pride flag, and banners with messages like ‘YOU ARE LOVED’ abounded.

Across the oval, as marching lines formed and sacred smoke drifted over from a powerful Welcome to Country, people shouted – “Happy Pride!”

Why did we march in the Midsumma Pride Festival?

Spectrum has a proud history of showing up and supporting communities who are historically under-served, marginalised, or persecuted for their identities. Way back in 1980, we were founded to support Vietnamese migrants in Melbourne who were rebuilding lives from impacts of war, and who found very few services to help them.

We’ve grown to support thousands of people from dozens of cultures and communities each year.

And we believe that everyone deserves to feel at home in Melbourne, inclusive of where they were born, who they love, and who they are.

For many of our LGBTQIA+ clients, their migrant or refugee journey is often laden with extra challenges, and even more experiences of harm or isolation. Leading with co-design, lived experience and allyship, our Spectrum team works to create safety and community for these valuable individuals.

Our joyful participation in the Midsumma Pride March, and other important programs like Connect in Nature alongside Many Coloured Sky, aligns with what we’ve always done to support migrants who are isolated, vulnerable, or persecuted: provide welcome, safety, connection and the possibility of shared joy.

Why are events like Pride important?

LGBTQIA+ people have always been a part of the fabric of Australia, in migrant, Indigenous and settled communities. Yet, the lives of LGBTQIA+ people are still disproportionately affected by illegal and unfair discrimination, hatred and violence. For generations, many have been silenced or made invisible, just in order to survive.

The Pride movement itself began in protest, standing up against the violence, abuse and discrimination directed at LGBTQIA+ communities.

Anyone can be proud of who they are. But the Pride movement has special meaning for those who have had to work harder to exist freely and safely – the same human rights that everybody deserves.

Why do so many people participate in Pride?

You don’t need to be LGBTQIA+ to participate in Pride, but many people of all ages and backgrounds join in to show their LGBTQIA+ allyship, stand up for human rights, and be a part of community. Additionally, Pride has a widespread positive effect on all communities.

Pride movements have played important roles in:

• Helping develop laws, policies and measures that keep all people safe from discrimination or violence
• Challenging harmful, outdated norms with colour and creativity
• Role modelling how to navigate differences with understanding, not judgement or harm
• Highlighting important conversations about safety, justice and human rights – bringing attention to important issues that impact everyone

And around the world, Pride Marches provide a rare and beautiful opportunity for LGBTQIA+ people and all who support human rights to feel supported, seen, and safe to be who you are.

In difficult times, the Midsumma Pride March shows what our society can be when we lead with kindness, connection and care. It’s not just an ideal to aim for, but a reality – all around us in St Kilda, in colour and in action.

The feeling of being seen and cared about

Waves. Cheers. Claps. Along the parade route, marchers were met with enthusiasm and joy by people of all ages. Groups of teens, mothers with babies, onlookers toasting with champagne, elderly ladies in wheelchairs. Again, the shouts of ‘happy Pride!’.

And quietly, but no less meaningfully, were many nods of recognition, as onlookers saw marchers that struck a chord with them. LGBTQIA+ migrants and refugees. Religious groups. Football clubs. University students. People with disabilities. Doctors and nurses.

Amid messages of support, and banners of pride and inclusion, some onlookers brushed away tears.

It was a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility – to be able to see yourself thought about and represented, to be invited to take up space.

We were proud to share this special Melbourne occasion, alongside other allies in the Settlement sector – and we’ll be carrying this colourful spirit of connection and care throughout 2026!

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Kelsey Dattoli, Communications Coordinator

Spectrum Migrant Resource Centre