What's On in November

A new month brings a new range of events and activities for LGBTQIA+ travelers across Australia, and November is shaping up to be packed with celebrations from start to finish.

Departing November 4th is the Sydney Pride Cruise hosted by Planetdwellers and P&O Cruises Australia. Lasting four days, the cruise is curated specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community by members of the community to ensure there is something for everyone. The cruise will feature entertainment like comedy shows, drag performances from icons like Coco Jumbo and Etcetera Etcetera, and a queer film festival sponsored by Queerscreen. From singles, to couples, to families, all are welcome for four days of gaiety at sea.

Also starting on the 4th is Pride WA’s PrideFEST, located in Perth, which runs until November 27th. The festival celebrates LGBTQIA+ Arts, Culture, and Community, with a theme of ‘Shine’ for 2022. Throughout the month there will be 65 fantastic events, with each day offering something new to explore. On the 13th, attend the free Fairday at Hyde Park, complete with performances from the Perth Pride Choir, Joan & The Giants, and Big Freedia. Fairday will also include a licensed bar and dog show, promising entertainment for people of any age. The PrideFEST parade is happening on the 26th of November, moving through the streets of Northbridge. The parade will be followed by a free family-friendly After Party in Russell Square, headlined by Kween Kong of Drag Race Down Under fame. You can view the whole festival program here, including events like community picnics and BBQs, art exhibitions, book and poetry readings, and social gatherings for youths and adults.

Starting later in the month, from the 10th, is Brisbane’s MELT Festival. This celebration of queer art and creators features performers from Australia and around the globe. Free festival events include interactive art piece The Chapel of Love, created by The Good Room, which asks audiences to participate in building an altar to love in all its forms; screenings of FAWN, a film about family and loss; an exhibition of artworks from artist-in-residence Dylan Mooney, a proud Yuwi, Torres Strait and South Sea Islander man; the LGBTQIA+ Elders Dance Club; and finally Revel in the Queer, an all-day, family-friendly celebration of queer culture on the 26th. MELT Festival also features several ticketed events, with musical performances from artists like Big Freedia and Jesswar + JessB, and dance performances from Larissa McGowan and Michael Smith. Closing the festival is the MELT Comedy Gala, featuring a range of Australian comedy icons. For a full list of performances and events, click here.

From the 10th to the 21st is the Melbourne Queer Film Festival. This event has been running annually for over thirty years, making it the longest-running queer film festival in Australia. The opening night showing is Private Desert, a moving queer romance set in modern-day regional Brazil. This year’s Australian Feature is The Longest Weekend, screening on the 17th at the Village Jam Factory. The film follows three siblings who struggle to reconnect when they end up living together again and facing the reappearance of their estranged father. The closing night features Uýra: The Rising Forest, a documentary following the work of trans non-binary Indigenous artist and activist Uýra as they move through the Amazon Rainforest. Tickets for each event are selling quickly, so act fast and secure a seat!

Across the country, November brings activities, festivals, and events for every member of the LGBTQIA+ community. With a range of free and ticketed events to choose from, start making your holiday plans now!