Transgender Victoria will withdraw from the 2025 Midsumma Pride March due to “discontent” with Victorian Police, amid ongoing distrust of law enforcement.
Victorian Police have maintained they conduct regular training about inclusivity and diversity with the community.
Transgender Victoria (TGV) CEO Son Vivienne explained the decision came after careful consideration.
“In light of these concerns, Transgender Victoria’s Committee has approved a one-year suspension of participation in the Midsumma Pride March. Our future participation is contingent on Victoria Police accepting accountability for measurable change.”
TGV urged Victoria Police to commit to systemic reform.
The move follows ongoing controversy in Sydney over whether New South Wales Police should be allowed to take part in the Mardi Gras parade, stemming from historical allegations of bullying and discrimination by law enforcement against LGBTs.
Meanwhile, Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton defended the actions of his police, in an interview with ABC Melbourne.
“We can’t say that we’re perfect in that regard, but when we have an incident, we try and address it,” he said.
“We’ve got training about human rights, about respect, about inclusivity, about diversity. We support our employees who are also part of those communities. So it is important to us, and that’s why we’ve participated.”
Victorian Police are still in discussions about whether they will be able to march in uniform at the event, set to be held in early February.
“If they determine that they don’t want us to march in uniform, because, for whatever reason, the risk is too great or there’s a feeling among some members of the community that they don’t want us there, well, we’ll abide by that,” Patton added.
