In this episode, we meet Holly Conroy, the founder of Wagga Mardi Gras. Holly shares her journey from growing up and transitioning in the rural town of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia, to launching the first Pride Mardi Gras event in the area. Despite initial fears and challenges, especially in a traditional country setting, Holly received overwhelming community support which fueled her ambition to showcase that rural areas can positively embrace LGBTQ+ events. Documenting her experiences in the SBS series Untold Australia: Country Town Pride, Holly reveals the behind-the-scenes effort, community and family focus, and personal perseverance that turned Wagga Mardi Gras into a widely supported and successful annual event, even overcoming initial sponsorship hurdles and logistical challenges without a formal committee. As she looks toward the future, Holly and her dedicated committee aim to continue growing the event, maintaining its family-friendly atmosphere and community-driven spirit.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:26 Growing Up in Wagga and Transitioning

01:55 Inception of Wagga Mardi Gras

02:45 Documentary and Community Response

03:31 Organizing the First Mardi Gras

05:44 Challenges and Support

08:39 Success and Growth of the Event

18:28 Family-Friendly Focus

23:48 Future Plans and Sponsorship

28:43 Upcoming Event Details

31:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Hamiora Bailey, Executive Director of Auckland Pride, discusses their background and the foundational principles of Auckland Pride. Hamiora emphasizes the importance of maintaining a Māori framework and details the various initiatives and programs launched by Auckland Pride, including Te Tīmātanga Residency, the Empowerment Initiative, Pride Develops, and Pride Elevates. In the discussion Hamiora focuses on the significance of upholding Indigenous knowledge systems and ensuring the sustainability and inclusivity of the organization. They also talk to us about the importance of community, advocacy, arts and story telling in Pride. 

In this episode, we are joined by Sarah, David and Helen from Exmouth Pride to discuss the history, challenges, and community impacts of the pride event held in Exmouth, UK. The conversation delves into the town's demographics, the local response to the event, and the significance of visibility and inclusivity. Sarah, David and Helen share with us the origin and growth of Exmouth Pride, the engagement of various community groups, and how they involve organizations such as the military and police.   The episode also highlights personal stories and the profound impact of making LGBTQ+ identities visible in small towns.

In this episode, the Executive Director of Pride Northwest discusses the mission, history, and impact of the organization based in Portland, Oregon. Serving the entire state of Oregon and Southwest Washington, Pride Northwest has been a vital charitable organization since 1994, focusing on the origins of Pride and its role as an organizing and community-building tool. The discussion covers the complexity of organizing the Portland Pride Waterfront Festival and Parade, managing challenges both within and outside the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and future goals. The interview highlights the extensive effort in making Pride inclusive, the impact of political and social climates, and the importance of maintaining visibility and advocacy all year round.

In this episode, we meet Val and Pat, founders of Paekākāriki Pride, a community-focused festival on New Zealand's Kapiti Coast. They discuss the origins of the event, which started as a fundraiser for Georgina Byer, and its growth over seven years into a boutique pride festival prioritizing inclusivity and anti-discrimination. Val and Pat share their backgrounds in theater and community work, their commitment to non-corporate sponsorship, and the unique, safe, and joyous nature of Paekākāriki  Pride. They touch on organizational strategies, the importance of clear values, and future challenges, offering advice to those planning their own pride events. The episode encapsulates their passion for fostering a supportive, vibrant environment for all LGBTQ+ communities, emphasizing the importance of joy, inclusivity, and community-led initiatives.

Meet the hosts of Pride Untold, a podcast of conversations with Pride event organisers and participants from around the world.  Peek behind the rainbow curtain and find out the secrets of Pride Untold.