The global WorldPride festival is happening in Sydney from 17 February – 5 March and we’re hosting a series of events to help celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community.

There are events for all ages including adults, youth and children.

Highlights include an evening by Sydney Harbour featuring readings from local queer authors; youth art workshops and board game evenings; three incredible Pride exhibitions at Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf; and a special Drag Story Time for kids.

Adults

Sapphic Literary Lounge

Thursday 23 February, 6.00pm-8.00pm, Watsons Bay Library
$10, bookings essential.

Join us for an evening by Sydney Harbour as the sun goes down with a drink or literary mocktail in hand. Enjoy live music and readings from local queer authors as we celebrate the Sapphic literary community this World Pride.

The Pride History of Paddington

Wednesday 22 February, 11.00am - 12.00pm, Paddington Library
Free, book online.

Join Vice President of Pride History Group Scott McKinnon as he sheds light on the significant Pride History of the suburb of Paddington.

Ideas Exchange: Celebrating Queer Australia

Thursday 2 March 2023, 6:30pm-7:30pm, Woollahra Library, at Double Bay.
Free, book online.

Join our panel, moderated by journalist and author Jason Om, as we reflect on and celebrate the Australian Queer community during Sydney WorldPride.

Image from Jamie James’ series, Humans Being

Queertography outdoor photo exhibition

17 February – 5 March, Paddington Reservoir Gardens
Free exhibition

Head On presents Queertography, an outdoor photography exhibition celebrating LGBTQIA+ experiences, visibility, and giving depth to queer representation.

We are proud to support this exhibition through our Placemaking Grants program.

Paul Capsis by Michael Simms

Pride Amplified exhibitions at Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf

8 February - 5 March, Wednesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm. 
Free event 

Woollahra Gallery at Redleaf is proud to celebrate WorldPride with three diverse exhibitions celebrating the strength and the diversity of our artistic community:

• Michael Simms, Stages: Sydney World Pride - a series of portraits of theatre and music luminaries.
• Ian Thomas, Pearlies 2 - a recreation of protest banners and badges, inspired by the Pearly Kings and Queens of London.
• Armando Chant, Justine Roche and Fiona Billyard, Elements - this exhibition explores the inherent sense of change and transformation within the natural environment, where memories embedded within water, land and atmosphere are bought to light,

There will be artist talks on Saturday 11 February from 2-4PM.

Join Paddington Library’s Pride Book Club

Show your support and celebrate LGBTQIA+ experience and our identifying friends, family and community year round by joining Paddington Library’s monthly pride book club.  Each month we discuss stories from gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual and queer voices, exploring aspects of their identities and experiences.  We ask that Pride Book Club participants uphold a safe space for community members.  All are welcome to attend a respectful discussion led by library staff.

To express interest in joining, please email library@woollahra.nsw.gov.au, speak to the staff at Paddington Library or simply turn up to our first meeting!

First meeting: Wednesday 17^th May 2023, 6.00pm-7.00pm

Youth events (14 years+)

Self Portraits (14+ years)

Sunday 19 February,12pm - 3pm, Woollahra Library at Double Bay.
Free event, bookings essential.

Self-discover, experiment and express your creativity through self-portrait drawing. Join Illustration artist Oliver Vincent Reyes and explore your identity through colour and shape. Meet artistic queer youth in this relaxed and friendly workshop.

Collage Sessions (14+ years)

Wednesday 22 February and Wednesday 1st March, 4.30 - 7.30pm
Free event, bookings essential.

Connect with creative queer youth. Express your creativity through eclectic images and form your personalised Collage artwork. Anna Kochetkova experienced collagist will take you through collage concepts and techniques in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Pride Amplified Board Game Nights with QTPIES (13+ years)

Thursday 23 February 5.30pm-7.30pm at Double Bay Library
Sunday 26th February 11.00am - 3.00pm at Double Bay Library
Wednesday 1st March 5.30pm - 7.30pm at Paddington Library

Free events, bookings essential.

Pull up a chair, grab an eight sided dice and test your skill and luck. Our experienced table top hosts QTPIES will guide you through curated board games that will have you laughing, cheering and possibly getting a little too competitive.

All trans, gender diverse and intersex folk and their allies are welcome. Bring a friend and celebrate and connect with others. This is a safe and welcoming space.

Children (3-5 years)

Story Time with Joyce Maynge

Wednesday 1 March, 10:30am - 11:30am, Woollahra Library at Double Bay
Spaces are limited. Please arrive early to secure a spot.

Join us for a special Drag Story Time and craft session to celebrate World Pride Month with special guest and children's storyteller, Joyce Maynge! Story Time is open to children aged 3 - 5 years and their parents or carers.