It’s here, it’s queer… it’s Pride Month! And there’s no better place to celebrate than at Qtopia Sydney – the world’s largest centre for LGBTQIA+ history and culture, right here in Australia. This colourful museum and cultural hub in the heart of Sydney’s Rainbow Precinct dazzles in June with more than 150 events spotlighting the nation’s top queer artists.
Down here in Australia, our Pride celebrations generally take place earlier in the year when the weather is warmer, with the world-famous Sydney Mardi Gras Parade taking over Oxford Street in late February or early March. However, with growing awareness around International Pride Month happening in June, Qtopia's Pride Fest is spreading the love and creating more opportunities for connection and community (which is especially important when LGBTQIA+ rights are under threat globally). And the sparkle isn’t just seasonal – it shines year-round as a proud beacon of identity, creativity and inclusion for Australia's LGBTQIA+ community.
Despite only opening recently in February 2024, Qtopia Sydney has been a long time in the making. It was born from the vision of the late Professor David Cooper, a pioneering HIV/AIDS researcher who dreamed of building a space to honour those impacted by the disease. His dream was brought to life by David Polson AM, one of the first Australians to be diagnosed with HIV, who participated in 28 drug trials under Professor Cooper’s care, helping pave the way for the life-saving medications we have today. Although Polson sadly passed away earlier this year, his legacy – and the legacy of those who stood loud and proud before him – lives on at Qtopia.
At Qtopia, LGBTQIA+ stories aren’t just recorded, but are vibrantly told and celebrated. The cultural centre hosts up to 17 thought-provoking exhibitions at any one time – all guided by five major themes: Human Rights, Sexuality and Identity, Media Representation, First Nations stories, and the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Throughout the year, Qtopia also comes alive with a dazzling program of theatre, cabaret, visual art, music, comedy, drag, literature events and burlesque shows.
Qtopia’s Artistic and Programs Director Carly Fisher describes it as "a place where stories come to life and where we strive to amplify voices that deserve to be heard. Pride Fest is one of our most powerful expressions of that mission. In just one year, it's grown by more than 180 per cent, with over 150 events and 400 artists taking part. We've built a festival that elevates bold voices, showcases emerging talent and invites audiences into a space that's vibrant, inclusive and unapologetically proud."
Headlining this year’s Sydney Pride Fest are three of the most awarded Queer acts on the Fringe circuit, including A Friend of Dorothy: Anthems of Pride, Skank Sinatra and The Platonic Human Centipede.
Headliner artist Jens Radda (Skank Sinatra) reflects: “Pride Fest is a fabulous reminder that while we revel in joy and glitter now, the fight for equality is ongoing and spaces like Qtopia Sydney help keep that fire alive with every show, story and sequin. I’m proud to be headlining Pride Fest and even prouder to be part of the Qtopia family, a place that honours our past while lighting the way forward.”
Beyond the glitter of Pride Fest, Qtopia's doors – and arms – are open year-round. We asked some local people who identify as LGBTQIA+ what the space means to them, and here's what they had to say:
Steve Spencer, LGBTQIA+ advocate and Qtopia Sydney ambassador, says: "As a proud bi man, it took me years to find my voice – but places like Qtopia Sydney give us all a place to find our voice and make a difference. It is here, where we come together to activate and celebrate, where I am reminded just how vital and joyful our stories are. Having a Queer home in the heart of the city where we connect, learn and celebrate together is life-changing for so many people."
Rebbell Barnes, activist, Qtopia Sydney ambassador and the youngest person to participate in the first Mardi Gras protest in 1978, says: "As the youngest 78er and a proud ambassador for Qtopia Sydney, I'm thrilled to celebrate Sydney's vibrant Pride Month and the incredible space Qtopia Sydney has created in the heart of Taylor Square. It's a welcoming hub where artists and the community are coming together to host over 150 diverse events this Pride Month. Qtopia Sydney's mission to educate, honour our history and share stories ensures our community's rich history is celebrated and preserved. Given the global attack on gay and trans rights, it is more important than ever to stand proud and stand together. Here's to a month of pride, remembrance and unity!"
You can check out our top picks for Sydney Pride Fest 2025 here, or plan your visit to Qtopia here.