The Melbourne Town Hall buzzed with energy on a recent Saturday night as the LGBTQIA+ community gathered for the 12th Victorian Pride Awards. Presented by GLOBE Victoria, this annual event shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of individuals and organizations within Victoria’s diverse LGBTQIA+ communities.
This year’s awards ceremony was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the progress and resilience of the community. From groundbreaking legislation to innovative community initiatives, the event highlighted the significant impact made by LGBTQIA+ advocates and allies.
Tony Briffa: A Champion for Intersex and LGBTQIA+ Rights
The evening’s most prestigious award, Person of the Year was presented to Tony Briffa, a long-standing advocate for intersex and LGBTQIA+ rights. Briffa, who serves as Co-Chair of InterAction for Health and Human Rights, was recognized for his pivotal role in advocating for the recent legislation banning unnecessary medical interventions on children born with variations in sex characteristics.
In his acceptance speech, Briffa expressed his deep connection to the queer community and his commitment to its advancement. “I absolutely f**king love being queer,” he declared, emphasizing the importance of community support and legislative progress. Briffa’s work has not only changed lives but also set a precedent for future generations.
Celebrating Community and Inclusion
The Victorian Pride Awards featured a variety of categories, each recognizing different aspects of community contribution. The People’s Choice Award went to Lesbirun, a running club that has grown from a group of friends into a supportive community for lesbian women. Lesbirun has raised almost $20,000 for First Nations women’s and transgender charities, demonstrating the power of community engagement and solidarity.
The Volunteer of the Year award honored Ahmad (Maddie) Qafasheh for their dedication to volunteering at Thorne Harbour Health, Vic Bears, and The Laird. Maddie’s work exemplifies the spirit of community service and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for all.
Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
Switchboard Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ Suicide Postvention Toolkit was recognized in the Improving Health and Wellbeing category. This resource provides crucial support for individuals navigating the devastating impacts of suicide loss within the LGBTQIA+ community. The toolkit is a testament to the organization’s commitment to community well-being and resilience.
Workplace Inclusion and Social Impact
Your Community Health and Transgender Victoria were awarded for their Being Valued Toolkit which champions equity for LGBTIQA+ people in workplaces. The toolkit addresses the alarming rate of gendered violence experienced by LGBTQI+ individuals in the workplace and provides resources for leaders to mitigate these issues.
The Preventing Social Isolation award went to the Forever Rainbows social group of Gippsland Pride Initiative. This group has created welcoming and inclusive spaces for LGBTQIA+ people aged 50+, fostering connections and reducing social isolation within the community.
Innovation and Excellence in Business
T Generation Gym was honored with the Excellence in Small Businesses award for its affirming and empowering space. Founded by a proud trans man, T Generation Gym has grown from a small operation to a thriving, trans-led service. The gym’s success underscores the importance of small businesses in driving social change and economic justice.
The Ally of the Year award was presented to Phill Laver for his work at Transfamily; Drummond Street Services. Laver’s advocacy and support for his transgender daughter have made a significant impact on the community, demonstrating the power of allyship and family support.
Arts and Media Contributions
Timothy Ryan, the producer behind Scratch Arts, Q-Lit Festival, and Blanke Pop, was recognized for his Outstanding Contribution to the Arts. Ryan’s work in sharing queer stories and supporting artists highlights the importance of representation and storytelling in the LGBTQIA+ community.
The Outstanding Contribution to Sport award went to Bindy Cohen of the Queer Sporting Alliance. Cohen’s dedication to creating inclusive sports spaces for transgender and gender diverse individuals has made a lasting impact on the community.
The Victorian Pride Awards not only celebrated individual achievements but also underscored the collective strength and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community. As GLOBE Victoria President Andrew Shepherd noted, “The Victorian Pride Awards are all about celebrating our successes.” The event served as a reminder of the progress made and the ongoing work needed to achieve full equality and inclusion.
