Celebrate Pride at Swinburne

Swinburne Pride Week 2026 will be celebrated from 24 August to 28 August. This year’s theme “Chosen Families – Embracing allyship to support LGBTIQA+ folks” highlights the importance of connection, belonging, and support networks, recognising that family can extend beyond traditional structures. 

Swinburne prides itself on being a diverse and inclusive university where everyone can feel comfortable, supported and empowered to express themselves authentically. 

Pride Week is an important initiative that celebrates the LGBTIQA+ community, affirming the right for all individuals to live safely, openly and authentically. 

The week will feature a lunch-and-learn session with Associate Professor Deanne Fisher (CAS), Out for Australia CEO Eva Granger and participants from our Career Academy mentorship program. It will also feature a Chosen Families workshop, our annual Hawthorn Program and Pride Parade, and Pride fairs at all Melbourne campuses. 

The Hawthorn Pride event will feature keynote speaker Joe Ball (Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities).

The design for Pride Week has been created by the Swinburne Design Bureau and incorporates elements of Swinburne’s brand identity, with colours drawn from the Pride flag. You’ll see it around campus during Pride Week.

Read on and mark your calendars for this year’s Pride Week celebrations. 

Lunch and Learn: Rainbow mentorship

Monday 24 August, from 12pm to 1pm 

Online via MS Teams 

Hosted by Associate Professor Deanne Fisher (CAS) and featuring Out for Australia (OfA) CEO Eva Granger and participants in our Career Academy mentorship program with OfA. 

Register now

Workshop: Chosen Families

Tuesday 25 August, from 10:30am to 11:30am 

BA 302 

Pride in Diversity’s Elisabeth Lane explores the concept of chosen families, with a focus on the critical role active allies play across our workplaces and classrooms. Discover practical ways to strengthen your support for LGBTIQA+ young people. 

Register now

Program and Pride Parade 

Tuesday 25 August, from 11:30am to 12:30pm  

Indigenous Learning Circle 

Celebrate the official launch of Swinburne Pride Week at the Hawthorn Indigenous Learning Circle. Hear from Victorian Commissioner for LGBTIQA+ Communities Joe Ball, join a vibrant campus parade, and enjoy our much anticipated Pride Fair – complete with free food trucks, a sausage sizzle, and activities for all. 

Register now

Pride Fairs at all campuses  

Enjoy food trucks, Gay Stuff Markets, BBQs, pride-themed activities, and live entertainment at our campus-wide outdoor celebrations: 

• Hawthorn – Tuesday 25 August, from 11:30am to 2pm at Indigenous Learning Circles 
• Croydon – Wednesday 26 August, from 12pm to 2pm at the Indigenous Learning Circles 
  
• Wantirna – Thursday 27 August, from 12pm to 2pm at the Indigenous Learning Circles 

Gender Agenda’s Queer Prom (for students)

Friday 28 August, from 5pm to 9pm  

Student Lounge, GS Level 2. 

Find out more via Gender Agenda.