The Labor federal government has committed $1 million in funding for a homosexual centre in Melbourne to upgrade security after staff complained about alleged insults from passers-by and protests against sexualised events for children.
The Victorian Pride Centre in St Kilda opened in 2021 thanks to $25 million in state government funding, and in the past three days has promoted so-called transgenderism, and wished Muslims a “joyous” Ramadan and Asians a happy Lunar New Year.
Pride Centre CEO Paul Horwell told the Star Observer safety and security upgrades were prompted by a range of different incidents, including demonstrations against “drag queens” reading to kids.
“We’ve had a lot of people come to the centre throwing insults through different doors. Or we’ve had people protesting outside for things like Drag Storytime, as well as break ins,” he said.
“This funding really does help us build infrastructure that we need, upgrade things like CCTV, make sure we’ve got decent controls around the centre to make sure that everyone feels secure here.
“The safety and wellbeing of our visitors, residents and staff is always at the centre of our work. We know that many minority communities, including LGBTIQA+ people, are experiencing increased pressure, and it means a great deal that this is being recognised.”
Federal MP Josh Burns addressed a press conference at the centre on Wednesday to announce the funding boost, which will be delivered over four years, and said he wished “this place was able to be accessed without fear or favour by the incredible community that it means so much to”.
“What we know time and time again is that people have had to take steps in order just to participate and to be a part of the community events that happen here, and just for being who they are, and that’s not good enough,” he said.
“We know community dollars are precious, so we’re helping the Pride Centre protect its space, allowing it to focus on supporting our community.”
Header image credit: The Victorian Pride Centre.
