If you’re a ‘yes’ voter, then one of the best things you can do to spread the word, look after your own mental health, and support your LGBTQIA friends is to get together and have a great time. Thankfully, organisations and rad individuals all over Melbourne are organising ‘yes’ events. Some of them are fundraising parties, others are marches, and some simply offer the chance for members of Melbourne’s queer community (and their allies) to spend time together in solidarity.
There are plenty of events happening across the city in the weeks leading up to the voting deadline (October 27, but it’s best to get your ballot in ASAP!). Here are some of our favourites.
Australia Says Yes! Comedy Gala
While securing equal rights for LGBTQIA Australians is no laughing matter, this gathering of the country’s finest comedians at the Athenaeum Theatre is a welcome ray of sunshine. For a very reasonable $45, you’ll see sets by Frank Woodley, Sammy J & Randy, Geraldine Hickey, Zoe Coombs Marr and lots more. All proceeds are going to Australian Marriage Equality. Thursday September 21
Closet - YES Party
Closet is one of Melbourne’s best, most inclusive and longest-running monthly queer nights in Melbourne, and we love that they’ve been donating proceeds for their last few parties to Australian Marriage Equality. Last month’s party raised nearly $3,000, and this month, they’re hoping to go even bigger. With a line-up of DJs that includes hip hop queen Yo! Mafia and DJ Ruby Slippers, we reckon they’ll pull it off. Friday September 22.
The Big YES Doorknock
Want to get out there and talk to your fellow Melburnians about why marriage equality matters? Australian Marriage Equality and GetUp! are hosting a weekend-long door-knocking event of epic proportions. The action kicks off on both days at 10am at Trades Hall in Carlton, where volunteers will be assigned a route, a partner and training materials. Make sure you register online first on the website. Saturday & Sunday September 23-24.
Melbourne’s kid-friendly marriage equality picnic
This event is beautiful in its simplicity: just turn up at Treasury Gardens (near the corner of Spring Street and Flinders Lane) at 10am, and share a big picnic with other friendly ‘yes’ voters. Dressing in rainbow is encouraged at this free family friendly event, and there’ll be free face painting and balloon animals. Sunday September 24.
YES Fest: Melbourne March for Marriage Equality
After the record-breaking turn-out their most recent Melbourne rally, Equal Love have organised another march to keep up the momentum. Join thousands of your fellow ‘yes’ voters to make your voice heard, hear from inspiring speakers and bask in the positive rainbow atmosphere. Go hard on costumes and signs: hopefully, this could be the last time you protest for marriage equality! Sunday October 1.
Yass! Party! Fundraiser for Marriage Equality
Two of the queer community’s greatest strengths are campaigning for equality and knowing how to party like there’s no tomorrow. Chaser’s Nightclub are combining both of these into a fundraising night with a hens and bucks party theme: think drag queens, DJs, best dressed prizes and lots more. All money raised will go towards the Victorian AIDS Council’s work to support marriage equality. Friday October 13.
Melbourne Fringe Club parties
They’re not strictly ‘yes’ parties, but the Melbourne Fringe Club is hosting some huge LGBTQIA-friendly events over the next few weeks. Hit up the George Michael-themed ‘Faith’ party on Friday September 22 or Mama Alto’s ‘Transcendent’ night on Wednesday September 27.
Want to campaign for marriage equality? There are plenty of ways to help the cause. Visit the Equality Campaign website to find out about upcoming phone call or door knocking events, or register to host your own. And remember – send in your ballot now!