Midsumma is on again this year, but with a change: no police.
To provide a quick breakdown of the event for those who have never been, Midsumma Festival is a Melbourne-based queer arts and cultural festival that runs over three weeks in January and February each year. The festival runs events that centre around queer culture from local, interstate and international artists. The major events of the festival include the Midsumma Carnival, Victoria's Pride Street Party and the Midsumma Pride March.
The Midsumma Pride March sees tens of thousands march down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, with many more turning out to cheer them on. The march culminates in an outdoor party in Catani Gardens, with after parties held across St Kilda stretching on into the night.
This year, the Midsumma Pride March went ahead without a notable participant: Victoria Police.
I learned a few weeks ago that the police were excluded from marching in uniform in the Midsumma parade this year. This, in turn, led Victoria Police to decide they would pull out and not participate in the parade at all. I decided to go along to see what difference their absence would have, if any, on the day.
Attempting to get public transport to the parade, the first thing I noticed was the bus was cancelled. Thankfully, the tram was still running, so I was back
on track.
Arriving at St Kilda junction it was apparent something very queer was happening. Rainbows and glitter were everywhere, with people funnelling towards Fitzroy Street.
Midsumma is on again this year, but with a change: no police.
To provide a quick breakdown of the event for those who have never been, Midsumma Festival is a Melbourne-based queer arts and cultural festival that runs over three weeks in January and February each year. The festival runs events that centre around queer culture from local, interstate and international artists. The major events of the festival include the Midsumma Carnival, Victoria's Pride Street Party and the Midsumma Pride March.
The Midsumma Pride March sees tens of thousands march down Fitzroy Street in St Kilda, with many more turning out to cheer them on. The march culminates in an outdoor party in Catani Gardens, with after parties held across St Kilda stretching on into the night.
This year, the Midsumma Pride March went ahead without a notable participant: Victoria Police.
I learned a few weeks ago that the police were excluded from marching in uniform in the Midsumma parade this year. This, in turn, led Victoria Police to decide they would pull out and not participate in the parade at all. I decided to go along to see what difference their absence would have, if any, on the day.
Attempting to get public transport to the parade, the first thing I noticed was the bus was cancelled. Thankfully, the tram was still running, so I was back
on track.
Arriving at St Kilda junction it was apparent something very queer was happening. Rainbows and glitter were everywhere, with people funnelling towards Fitzroy Street.
The street was extremely busy and local bars and restaurants were doing great business. Being near 40 degrees, I found a restaurant with shade, got a cold drink and settled in to watch the parade.
All sorts of groups, community organisations and public services marched past. SES, Fire and Ambulance, even Disney. I liked the sci fi and live action role play groups. But not one uniformed police officer marched past.
I asked people how this made them feel; the opinion was surprisingly divided.
I asked an older queer person from Tasmania who remembered a time when it was illegal to be gay. They said, “the police have no place in queer spaces after all the harm they have carried out.”
A formerly incarcerated person showed me their tattoo that read, “I love abolition” and said “good riddance to them.”
Others lamented the police not being present. A disabled queer man told me, “it’s a shame the police were bullied and couldn’t come.”
While an older lady told me, “the police look so nice marching in formation in their uniforms, it’s a shame they aren’t here this year.”
What I personally noted, having attended the march last year, was the distinct lack of violent incidents and confrontations. Last year, I saw a police officer knock over two teenagers right in front of me. I’m not sure what prompted them to do this, but I felt bad for the kids.
This year’s parade was a fun and safe day. Teenagers were excitedly jumping around yelling “we are all gay!” with much excitement and joy. A lady put glitter on my face. Another person gave me a badge. People were there dressed as furries and in leather puppy suits. Twinks wore little fairy wings and dykes rode bikes. Local venues and businesses were accepting and people showed their support for the queer community.
I can’t say who was to blame for the incident with the teenagers last year. What I can say is, this year was wholesome, no one was made fun of for being gay and everyone felt safe.
The street was extremely busy and local bars and restaurants were doing great business. Being near 40 degrees, I found a restaurant with shade, got a cold drink and settled in to watch the parade.
All sorts of groups, community organisations and public services marched past. SES, Fire and Ambulance, even Disney. I liked the sci fi and live action role play groups. But not one uniformed police officer marched past.
I asked people how this made them feel; the opinion was surprisingly divided.
I asked an older queer person from Tasmania who remembered a time when it was illegal to be gay. They said, “the police have no place in queer spaces after all the harm they have carried out.”
A formerly incarcerated person showed me their tattoo that read, “I love abolition” and said “good riddance to them.”
Others lamented the police not being present. A disabled queer man told me, “it’s a shame the police were bullied and couldn’t come.”
While an older lady told me, “the police look so nice marching in formation in their uniforms, it’s a shame they aren’t here this year.”
What I personally noted, having attended the march last year, was the distinct lack of violent incidents and confrontations. Last year, I saw a police officer knock over two teenagers right in front of me. I’m not sure what prompted them to do this, but I felt bad for the kids.
This year’s parade was a fun and safe day. Teenagers were excitedly jumping around yelling “we are all gay!” with much excitement and joy. A lady put glitter on my face. Another person gave me a badge. People were there dressed as furries and in leather puppy suits. Twinks wore little fairy wings and dykes rode bikes. Local venues and businesses were accepting and people showed their support for the queer community.
I can’t say who was to blame for the incident with the teenagers last year. What I can say is, this year was wholesome, no one was made fun of for being gay and everyone felt safe.
