Proudly Melbourne

Celebrating LGBTQIAPN+ History, Diversity & Pride

A tram and a horse with pink feathers in front of Flinders Street Station in Melbourne.

celebrating history, embracing diversity

Melbourne is more than just a city; it’s a place where diversity thrives, inclusivity shines, and community unites. Our campaign mission? To celebrate Melbourne’s rich LGBTQIAPN+ history and highlight the people and places that make it one of the most welcoming cities in the world for all identities!

Join us as we dive deep into Melbourne’s journey to becoming a vibrant, inclusive haven for LGBTQIAPN+ people.

From key historical moments to essential services and support networks, we’re spotlighting everything that makes Melbourne – or Narrm – special.

Join us as we celebrate our city’s progress, recognise areas for growth, and connect with the incredible organisations that have paved the way.

You’re welcome to contribute or request we cover a specific topic-we welcome you to comment on Instagram or email us at hello@euphoriasocial.org

Did You Know?
In 1835, Melbourne was almost named Batmania! Now, Narrm sits proudly on the traditional lands of the Kulin Nation, and we continue to honor and respect the cultural roots that ground this city’s spirit of acceptance.

Imagine this:
up to 10% of Melbourne’s population identifies within the LGBTQIAPN+ spectrum.

1 in every 10 people, that’s thousands of people who add to the city’s diversity, creativity, and inclusive spirit.

While precise figures are difficult to capture, national studies help us understand the scope. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) estimates that around 3-4% of Australians identify as LGBTQI+. But recent surveys by organisations like La Trobe University suggest this number could be closer to 10-12% when we include broader identities such as asexual, non-binary, and pansexual individuals.

With Melbourne’s population of around 5.2 million, this means:
Between 156,000 and 520,000 people in Melbourne may identify within the LGBTQIAPN+ spectrum, creating a vibrant and dynamic community that helps shape Melbourne’s identity.

The LGBTQIAPN+ community is not just about those who identify as gay, lesbian, or bisexual. The spectrum includes a broad range of identities, such as non-binary, asexual, pansexual, genderqueer, and more.

SUPPORTING MELBOURNE.

We’re thrilled to highlight the incredible services available to our LGBTQIAPN+ friends, ensuring that no one stands alone in their journey. Whether you’re seeking mental health support, legal advice, or simply someone to talk to, these organisations are here for you:

This list is a testament to Melbourne’s commitment to inclusion and equality. A huge thank you to these organisations for their tireless work and to everyone who continues to support and celebrate our community.

Close-up of two people with rainbow pride tattoos on their arms, supporting Melbourne, with text promoting LGBTQ+ friendly support services in Melbourne.

Specialised LGBTQIA+ Services:
Rainbow Door: A lifeline offering support for family violence, mental health, and more.
📞 1800 729 367 | 💬 SMS: 0480 017 246
🌐 Rainbow Door

Switchboard Victoria: Peer-driven support for abuse, relationship challenges, and beyond.
📞 1800 184 527 | 💻 QLife Chat @switchboard_victoria

Drummond Street Services – Queerspace: Programs and counselling for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families.
📞 03 9663 6733 | 🌐 @queerspace_drummondstreet

Thorne Harbour Health: Specialist care for family violence, sexual health, and general wellbeing.
📞 1800 134 840 | 🌐 @thorneharbour

Advocacy and Mental Health Support
The Iceberg Foundation: Tackling social challenges through advocacy and research.
📞 03 8374 7777| 🌐 @theicebergfoundation

QPsychology: Mental health services tailored to LGBTQIA+ needs.
📞 03 9070 4080 | 🌐 @qpsychologyaus

Q Law: Legal assistance for issues like discrimination, family law, and more.
🌐 @qlaw_vic

General Support Services
Lifeline Australia: 24/7 crisis support for everyone, including LGBTQIA+.
📞 13 11 14 | 🌐 @lifelineaustralia

Beyond Blue: Resources and mental health support for LGBTQIA+ communities.
📞 1300 22 4636 | 🌐 @beyondblueofficial

Headspace: Mental health support for LGBTQIA+ youth aged 12–25.
🌐 @headspace_aus

Transgender Awareness Week from November 13 - 19.

A person celebrating Transgender Awareness Week at an event, with a pink/purple background and wearing minimal clothing. Text overlay reads "Proudly Melbourne" and discusses celebrating the trans community and diversity.

  • Iconic figures like Mary Edith Nevan, who courageously lived openly as a woman in the early 20th century, and Julie Peters, one of Australia’s first openly trans advocates in the 1970s, paved the way for future generations. These trailblazers helped establish the foundation of visibility and acceptance we see today!

    In the 1970s and 1980s, various LGBTQIAPN+ organisations began including trans rights in their broader advocacy.

    Melbourne’s first formal organisation dedicated to supporting trans and gender-diverse people is widely considered to be Transgender Victoria (TGV), founded in 2000. Emerging to provide critical support and resources. Today, TGV remains a pillar of support, working tirelessly for equality and understanding across the state.❤️

    Here’s how you can reach out to TGV: Website: tgv.org.au
Email: contact@tgv.org.au
Phone: (03) 9020 4642
Social Media:
    Instagram: @transgendervic

  • Pony Club Gym

    Located in Preston, Pony Club Gym is an inclusive, accessible fitness space for all genders and identities. Founded by Ella Mason, it’s designed to make everyone feel welcome—especially those who may feel out of place in traditional gyms.

    📍 @ponyclubgym

    Suzy’s Kitchen

    A hidden gem in Seabrook, Suzy’s Kitchen serves up delicious South and Southeast Asian comfort food, including dosa, idli, and nasi lemak. It’s a warm, welcoming space for all to enjoy.

    📍 Visit 75 Point Cook Road, Seabrook or find them at @suzy_skitchen

    Maki-Mix
    Serving a fusion of Hawaiian and Japanese cuisine, Maki-Mix offers customizable poke bowls with organic, sustainable ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.

    📍 Find them in Prahran or @makimixmelbourne

    Double Happy Tattoo

    Known for their intricate Japanese-inspired tattoos, Wen Pham at Double Happy Tattoo blends traditional designs with whimsical themes, creating vibrant and unique art.

    📍 @wen_pham_tattoo

    Gek

    Gek is a bold and vibrant artist known for their flamboyant fashion and creative approach to upcycling. Their work challenges gender norms and embraces personal expression.

    📍 @babygotburntout

    Kweer Kinesiologist

    Focusing on kinesiology and energy healing for the LGBTQIA+ community, Kweer Kinesiologist helps individuals release trauma and reconnect with their authentic selves.

    📍 @kweer_kinesiologist

    T Gen Gyms
    An inclusive fitness community dedicated to strength and conditioning for the LGBTQIA+ community, T Gen Gyms creates a safe space for everyone, including those undergoing medical transitioning.

    📍 @tgengyms 

    Bonus: Catch Oscar Walsh - Massage Therapist @risingsol.magick

November 15, 2017, the day Australia voted “Yes” to marriage equality.

Melbourne has always been a heart of LGBTQIAPN+ activism and pride, hosting key rallies and events during the marriage equality campaign. Since then, the city has grown even more inclusive, though we continue to face challenges like rising anti-LGBTQ+ hate.

Victoria, with Melbourne leading the way, remains a champion for LGBTQ+ rights, from banning conversion therapy to advancing gender diversity in schools.

Let’s keep fighting for a world where everyone is respected and loved for who they are. ❤️

A woman leaning over a railing by the water, talking to a smiling, kneeling woman on the pavement, with a crowd of people and trees in the background.