11 questions for planning a great Pride event

a hand holds a small rainbow flag against a painted blue background

1. What's this event for?

For example:

A day of significance for LGBTIQA+ people, such as Trans Day of Visibility, or World AIDS Day?
A celebration?
Education of allies?
Something else?

A line of people from various cultures, arm in arm.

2. Who is it for?

LGBTIQA+ community?
Allies?
The general Public?
A mix of these?
Other?

3. What happens at the event?

Is it a talk?
A panel discussion?
An exhibition?
A social meetup?
A musical event?
A picnic?
A games day/night?
A performance?
A film night?
A trivia night?
A fashion parade?
Something else?

A dark skinned person is sitting at a table holding a glass of water. They are smiling at the camera

4. Where will you hold it?

A library?
A park?
A local venue, like a café or a bar?
A gallery?
A theatre?
Somewhere else?

A family with young kids are sitting in a park blowing bubbles. The mum is wearing a hijab

5. Do you need to ask permission from…

The venue?
The council (if it's in a park or other outdoor public place)? You can apply for a City of Ballarat event permit here: https://forms.ballarat.vic.gov.au/EventApplication
The local Traditional Owners?

A person holding a rainbow bullhorn to their lips. The bullhorn is spreading another rainbow

6. Where will you promote it?

Your personal social media account/s?
Local LGBTIQA+ social media pages?
Wider community socials?
Local venues, such as libraries or cafes?
The media, for example The Courier or the Ballarat Times?
Other places?

A middle aged woman speaks into a microphone

7. Does it need a speaker or speakers?

If so, who would be good to ask?

A local community member?
The Mayor or a local counsellor?
A local business owner?
A local performer or artist?
A local celebrity?

8. How long will it go for?

An hour?
Half a day?
All day?
Something else?

A selection of rice paper rolls, dipping sauce and salad on a bamboo plate

9. Does it need food, drinks or snacks?

If so, who will pay for them?
What will you get?
What dietary requirements will you cater for?
Where will you get the food from? A caterer, a supermarket, somewhere else?

Hands are holding a piece of paper being photocopied

10. Do you need any handouts/fliers/info for the guests?

If so, who will design those?
Where will you get them printed/photocopied?
How many will you need?
Or are you planning to only do digital fliers?
If so, how will you get them to your guests?

11. What kind of inclusion considerations does your event need?

Physical accessibility?
Quiet space for neurodiverse people?
Sign language interpreter?
Are guide and assistance dogs welcome?
Do your guests have dietary requirements?
Because of current events, how will you specifically ensure trans folks feel welcome?
If you're in a venue, what kinds of accessibility options do they have?

The City of Ballarat acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land we live and work on, the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung People, and recognises their continuing connection to the land and waterways. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend this to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Please note, this website contains the names and photos of people who have passed away.