Visibility matters at Midsumma Pride March 2025

Melbourne’s iconic Midsumma Pride March is more than a celebration – it’s about showing up for each other.

This year’s event on Sunday 2 February 2025 was the 30th anniversary of the first Midsumma Pride March, and the fifth consecutive year VU has taken part.

This year was our biggest contingent yet. Undeterred by the sweltering 38-degree heat, 91 Victoria University (VU) staff, students, family and friends came together to support LGBTQIA+ inclusion.

Chatting, walking, and dancing with Pride on the streets of St Kilda, the VU group were adorned in a full spectrum of colour, pride t-shirts, face paint and rainbow parasols (to protect themselves from the sun).

For E, a VU student, the march helps create a sense of belonging.

“It gives our community a sense that we have people around us; that we're not one in a big deep sea. We know we can reach out to other people and come together and feel like a community,” E said.

VU TAFE CEO Wayne Butson also emphasised the importance of inclusion.

“We pride ourselves on our diversity and our access and our equity, and this is just a part of it. This is something that we're trying to build and get better at. Not just feel like we're a safe place, but we're encouraging and supporting, and people thrive,” Wayne said.

VU’s Equality, Inclusion and Belonging Lead, Sara Austin, thanked attendees, and everyone who shows up for inclusion, respect and equity.

“We’re living through turbulent times, and activism and allyship matters,” Sara said.

Interested in future Pride events?

If you’re a student or future student, we invite you to join the  VU Queer Collective and the VU Student Union. 

If you’re a staff member, we encourage you to join the Pride Network member. Contact  [email protected] for more information.

Take a look at VU at Midsumma Pride March 2025 (video)