Two decades is a remarkable milestone for any organisation. For GV Pride, which has supported the often-marginalised LGBTQIA+ community in regional Victoria, it’s nothing short of exceptional.
“We ran off the smell of an oily rag,” said Treasurer, Damien Stevens-Todd, reflecting on the grassroots beginnings of GV Pride in 2005. “Two medical students, and a few LGBTQIA+ locals got together when we heard “there’s something for young people … but nothing for those over 25.”
For much of its early history, the GV Pride was powered entirely by volunteers, proceeds from merchandise sales, and community fundraising.
A turning point came with GV Pride’s successful application for deductible gift recipient (DGR) status via the Australia Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission.
“We realised what we were doing really was charitable,” Damien said. “It was about survival and mental health – the very guidelines you must meet to be deemed a not-for-profit.”
Another leap forward came with a $40,000 grant to deliver FLEDGE (Founding Leadership with an Edge), a 12-month program designed to build capacity in 20 emerging LGBTQIA+ leaders across Greater Shepparton who have each gone on to do amazing things in their towns.
Over time, GV Pride has broadened its reach, responding to the diverse needs within the LGBTQIA+ community and its wide range of members.
PFLAG was one of the flagship groups, where parents and friends of lesbian and gay people came together to get support. It was inspired by a local parent whose child had come out at gay, and they were struggling with their feelings. Damien said, “Eventually this program was no longer needed, which is a great achievement.”
More recently, GV Pride has focussed on the needs of trans and gender diverse people through the development of TAG, the Trans and Gender Diverse Advisory Group, in partnership with Uniting’s Diversity Project and Transcend. The organisation also runs a parent support program for those caring for trans or gender diverse people under 18, offering a safe place to connect, seek support and develop strategies to help their children thrive.
Another was Silver Rainbows, a group of LGBTQIA+ people aged 55 and over that offers social support and companionship.
“Supporting LGBTIQA+ people with disability to live their best lives is part of our service offering now too.”
