Pride March is an annual event held in Melbourne as part of the Midsumma Festival, a celebration of LGBTIQA+ culture and arts. This year, the march will be held on Sunday, 4 February.

More than 7,000 marchers take to the streets in St Kilda each year to show their support of the LGBTIQA+ community, and over 45,000 people line the streets and balconies along the march route to show their support.

Northern Health first marched at Pride March in 2020, with the Pride in the North Network, and again in 2021. Last year marked the first year Northern Health marched under its own banner at Pride March and will do the same again in 2024.

A number of different organisations, including health services, march on the day. The march begins at 11 am at the Ian Johnson Oval on the corner of Lakeside Drive and Fitzroy Street, before marching along Fitzroy Street and ending in Catani Gardens in St Kilda.

Electra Ulrich, Co-Chair Rainbow Working Group and Senior Dietitian, said marching under the Northern Health banner at Pride March provides a strong message to staff and the community that the health service is inclusive and prioritises the wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people.

“It would be great to see even more people march this year. Many bring along a colleague, friend or family member and the day is full of energy and colour,” she said.

“It makes me proud to be able to do this as part of my work in healthcare. Please come along if you can – we have a large number of allies of the LGBTQIA+ community march with us and it’s a really lovely way to connect and do something meaningful together.”

Pride March is a family-friendly event, with pets also welcomed to join in the fun.

“Pride March is a fun day to connect with colleagues and the community, whilst showing our community that Northern Health is striving to become a safe and inclusive place for our LGBTIQA+ staff, patients and families. We would love to see as many colleagues as possible at this fun, free and family friendly event,” said Chrissy Nicolaidis, Co-Chair Rainbow Working Group.

To register your interest in marching with Northern Health, please email the Rainbow Working Group at rainbowgroup@nh.org.au or visit the Intranet.

The Midsumma Festival runs from 21 January until 11 February, with a colourful range of events. To find out more, please click here.

Featured image: Northern Health at Pride March 2023.