WorldPride…
It’s coming to Sydney!

WorldPride is coming to Sydney in February this year! If you haven’t heard of WorldPride before, this article has all you need to know about Sydney WorldPride and a few tips on how you can keep yourself safe during the celebrations.

What is WorldPride and why is it in Sydney this year?

WorldPride is an international festival and celebration for LGBTIQ+ communities, people and culture. The festival also aims to promote and advocate for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex or queer (LGBTIQ+) human rights around the world. People who are LGBTIQ+ can face unique challenges and WorldPride is a time to celebrate the LGBTIQ+ community. 

Think of it like the Olympics, only with more festivities, more colour, and a lot of fun! It’s awarded to a host city every two to three years. The first WorldPride event happened in Rome in 2000! In 2019, Sydney was chosen as the host city for WorldPride, with the last WorldPride event being held in Copenhagen. 

The theme of Sydney WorldPride is “Gather. Dream. Amplify.” The theme aims to celebrate the diversity of LGBTIQ+ people, but also of the Asia-Pacific region and First Nations culture. 

How can I get involved with Sydney WorldPride?

Sydney WorldPride events start from Friday February 17 2023 and finish on Sunday March 5 2023. There are lots of exciting ways that you can get involved and experience Sydney WorldPride. A few of the big events, include:

• The Opening and Closing Concerts at the Domain
• The WordPride Human Rights Conference
• Pride March across the Sydney Harbour Bridge
• Pride Villages on Oxford Street (markets, street stalls, arts and community events)

In total, there will be over 200 events during Sydney WorldPride. Some are ticketed, meaning you have to buy a ticket before going to the event, while others are free. 

Don’t forget, Pride Month is for everybody – It’s an inclusive environment founded to empower those in the LGBTQIA+  community and their allies. How you celebrate WorldPride month is completely up to you, and there’s something for everyone. 

To find out more about the Sydney WorldPride festivities, head to the Sydney WorldPride website. 

How can I keep myself safe at Sydney WorldPride? 

Sydney WorldPride 2023 is going to be one to remember with events and parties galore! Make sure you remember it for the right reasons by practicing safe sex, looking out for your friends and making your health a priority. ?The International Student Health Hub is all about sexual and reproductive health, so here’s a little reminder during WorldPride to:

• Practise safe sex – No matter what (or who) you’re doing this WorldPride, there’s a safe sex option for you. Want advice? Call Nurse Nettie who is part of our sexual health team on 1800 451 624 (Monday – Friday 8am – 8pm) for a free, confidential and non-judgmental chat to make sure that you’re covered. You can send them a message here.     
• Be mindful of Mpox (Monkeypox) – Although cases in Australia are down, there’s expected to be an increase as people travel across the world to celebrate Sydney WorldPride. If you’re at risk, get vaccinated today. 
• Get support and advice if you need it – No matter who you are or what you do, there is advice and support on offer for you. Check out some of the community organisations involved in Sydney WorldPride 2023 here.

No matter what you get up to (or who you get under) this Sydney WorldPride it’s important that you take care of yourself. Because in the words of LGBTQIA+ icon, RuPaul “If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell are you gonna love somebody else?”

❤️️??????  

Where can I go for more information? 

There are lots of places you can go to get more information on Sydney WorldPride or on sexual and reproductive health. We’ve listed some of our top recommendations below:

• International Student Health Hub The International Student Health Hub has all you know to know about safe sex and sexual health, consent and relationships, contraception and pregnancy, Overseas Student Health Cover and the Australian Health Care System.
• Play Safe Play Safe is a website designed for young people in New South Wales on all things sexual health. Head here if you want to know more about sexually transmissible infections, or to ask a sexual health question.
• NSW Health – WorldPride The NSW Health WorldPride website has lots of health information about Sydney WorldPride, including how to access health care.
• Sydney WorldPride The Sydney WorldPride website has everything you need to know about WorldPride events, tickets and getting around Sydney.
• ACON ACON’s website is a great health resource for LGBTIQ+ people. Their website has information on sexual health, mental health and many more topics.

Do you have questions about sexual health? You can check out the STI and HIV pages on the International Student Health Hub or ask Nurse Nettie a question.

Do you like writing or know an international student who would be keen to be part a part of our blog writing team? Get in touch here!