Adelaide Pride March

The Adelaide Pride March is an annual LGBTQIA+ parade held in Adelaide, South Australia. The first was in 1973 but it was not until 2003 when annual marches were established as part of the Feast Festival celebrating the rights, history, culture, and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community. The march builds on earlier activism in the state, particularly the 1973 Proud Parade, one of the earliest organised LGBTQIA+ demonstrations in Australia.

History

The first organised LGBTQIA+ march in Adelaide was the Proud Parade, held on 15 September 1973 by the Gay Activists Alliance Adelaide.^[1] The march followed the death of Dr George Ian Duncan, a University of Adelaide law lecturer who drowned in the River Torrens in May 1972 after being attacked for being gay.^[2][3] His death became a catalyst for law reform and contributed to growing activism for LGBTQIA+ rights in South Australia.^[4][5]

The 1973 march, which attracted around 100 participants, is recognised as one of the earliest public pride events in Australia.^[1][4][6] The march raised awareness of issues affecting LGBTQIA+ people, including discrimination and legal inequalities. Early activism during this period helped shape the political climate in which Premier Don Dunstan and the South Australian parliament passed legislation in 1975 decriminalising male homosexuality, making South Australia the first state in Australia to do so.^[2][7]

A regular annual Adelaide Pride March was not established until 2003, when it became closely associated with the Feast Festival, South Australia's LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival. The event has grown significantly since its beginnings, drawing thousands of participants, including community organisations, advocacy groups and allies.^[3] The march serves as both a celebration and a platform for visibility and advocacy.^[8]

In 2023, Adelaide marked the 50th anniversary of the 1973 Proud Parade with commemorative events that highlighted the historical significance of LGBTQIA+ activism in South Australia.^[4]

Route and activities

The march traditionally proceeds along central streets of Adelaide, often beginning near Rundle Street or Hindley Street before converging in Victoria Square/Tarntanyangga.^[9] Activities include speeches, performances, and displays from local artists and community organizations. The event emphasizes inclusivity, visibility, and celebration of LGBTQIA+ culture.

Social and cultural significance

The Adelaide Pride March has played an important role in increasing public awareness of LGBTQIA+ issues and promoting social inclusion.^[3][4] It has helped build community awareness, celebrate diversity, and highlight ongoing challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals in South Australia. The march also connects with wider national and international pride movements, reinforcing South Australia's historical role in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights following the reforms of the 1970s.^[2]