June is Pride Month and there's lots of ways to celebrate our LGBTIQA+ community in Wollongong, including an art festival, dance parties and rainbow badge making workshops at your library.
- The Pride Art Festival. The Pride Art Festival will showcase local queer art and performance at Wollongong's Project Contemporary Artspace from June 4 to 22. “We make space to celebrate the intersections of queer identity and being, encapsulated through various forms of creative expression,” curators Eren Maltby and Monisha Kumar say. “Our community faces a lot of hardship and discrimination in recent times – it's important for us to bring people together, tell impactful stories and share in queer joy and wisdom.” On Opening Night, June 6, from 6-8pm there'll be performances by Sydney drag queen Barbi Ganoush, local drag queen Miss Khaarah and Kiama Illawarra Pride Choir. Local business Wonder Boba will be donating bubble tea. Nibblies and $5 drinks; plus the announcement of 'Curator's Choice Award'. Find out more on Facebook.
- Queer Life Drawing: June 12, from 6.30-8.30pm at Artspace.
- Pride Month Market Day: June 14, 10am-4pm. Artspace will hold their fourth annual Pride Market Day with local stall holders selling handmade creations and goods! There will be a food truck run by Mojo Picon Takeaway. Find out more on Facebook
- Amateur Drag Night & Queer Open Mic: Saturday, June 21 at Artspace. At this free, all-ages event, everyone is welcome to come to the gallery and strut their stuff. Drag performance, poetry, singing and other performance types are welcome, and anyone can attend. Doors open at 5:30pm for a 6pm start. To register as a performer, email info@projectgallery.com.au and find out more on Facebook.
- Drag Workshop: June 22, 12-2pm at Artspace. Hosted by Drag King Lawrence of Australia and Drag Queen Roxee Horror, all ages. Come along to learn the tips and tricks to owning the stage! Free but please reserve your spot.
- Panel Talk on Masculinities: Wollongong Art Gallery: June 5, 6-7pm. The gallery will host a panel talk on the role of masculinity in our lives. The work of artist Teo Treloar will be discussed with the artist and local panellists. Tickets via Eventbrite.
- Flamers Party: Friday, June 6. Local queer party throwers ‘Flamers’ will host a Masquerade themed club night at The Grand Hotel, Wollongong. Performances from local DJ Chaz and DSM-5, drag and burlesque performers Miss Kaarah, Gorejess, Iris Hues and Daisy Chainz. Details to be announced on Instagram @flamers.party
- Rush Pride Month Party: Friday, June 6. La La La’s has teamed up with local drag icon Ellawarra and Yours & Owls to deliver a pride dance party with DJ’s and drag performances from 9pm. Tickets are $29.57 on moshtix. On the lineup: Boycrzy, Erfaan, Lora Form. GOGO: Max Everett & Erin Kosarew. QUEENS: Ellawarra, Roxee Horror & Ruby Jubilee. More info on Facebook.
- Celebrating Pride Month at Local Libraries: Ages 12+ are invited to celebrate Pride Month by decorating a phone case, making a rainbow phone charm, or key ring. Please bring a clear or white case to suit your phone. A limited number of iPhone 14, 15 and 16 cases will be available. Free, no bookings required, just drop in to: Corrimal Library on 4 June, 4-5pm; Dapto Library on 18 June, 4-5pm; Warrawong Library, 19 June 3.30-4.30p and Wollongong Library, 24 June, 3.30-4.30pm.
- Make Bows and Badges at your Library. Ages 8+ are invited to celebrate Pride Month at local libraries by creating a rainbow hair ribbon or a rainbow badge. Free, no bookings required, just drop in to: Wollongong Library, June 10, from 3.30-4.30pm; Warrawong Library, 11 June, 3.30-4.30pm; Thirroul Library, 4 June, 3.30-5pm.
- Rainbow Formal: On June 16 from 4-7pm. Wollongong Youth Services is putting on a Rainbow Formal, with a silent disco, make-up activities, jewellery-making, decorating your mobility aids, food, fun and safety! More info from Wollongong Youth Services: (02) 4227 8222 or youthservices@wollongong.nsw.gov.au
