News

OUTintheOPEN Festival 2021 is here! From October 28 through November 7, whether online or in person, you can celebrate with us no matter where you are! Our big event, Carnival Day, will be online this year on Saturday afternoon November 6…and it’s our 10th birthday! Join superstar drag co-hosts Frock Hudson and Pattie Choux as they bring local music, fun and frivolity to your screens while showcasing 10 years of OUTintheOPEN’s fondest memories ‘live’ online.

Numerous events fill the Festival calendar this year, starting off with a bang at GOTAFE! Our “Think About It? Did it!” launch is first up, where you will view portraits and read anecdotes of regional LGBTIQA+ elders experiences, as we celebrate and commemorate their joys and sorrows, acknowledging the 40 year anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality. Their full stories/podcasts will be shared on ONE FM 98.5’s Pride in Diversity radio show each Thursday night during the Festival.

Thorne Harbour Country, and Uniting’s Diversity Project in partnership with LINE Wangaratta will host a sexual health forum and an ‘LGBTIQA+ Regional Community of Practice’ professional development event with a focus on workplace inclusion journeys. The Val’s LGBTI Ageing & Aged Care team will be “Celebrating & talking LGBTIQA+ histories” and (20th century) impacts, exploring the community development/growth from social disapproval to overcoming adversity, celebrating the achievements we have made!

If you’re looking for some more in-person events, the BIG Milestone Café & Bistro Brunch will be offering two sessions on Sunday October 31, and the BIG Lemon Tree Brunch on Sunday November 7 offers the same. Perhaps you’d prefer an evening meal at our “Winner, Winner, Schnitz for Dinner” event on Wednesday November 3? Either way, we’d love to see some friendly faces.

“Many of our 30+ Festival events have been re-imagined ‘online’ which means no masks, stay in your pjs, sip a glass of wine or 2, and attend from your couch (or backyard picnic blanket)! From trivia nights to queer nature connections, family-friendly rainbow story time sessions to business networking, there’s something for everyone!” says Festival Co-Convenor, Damien Stevens-Todd. “Even with lockdowns and restrictions we have big plans to celebrate! Whether online for singalongs or in person at our art therapy sessions, you can celebrate with us wherever you are! Just don’t forget to jazz it up with all things rainbow, sparkle and shine; we want to see it all! Show us your pizazz – tag us on Instagram or Facebook!”

With less than 2 weeks to go we are so excited to see everyone get involved and “out in the open” – help us celebrate the last 10 years of what has been Greater Shepparton’s own OUTintheOPEN Festival celebrating LGBTIQA+ pride and community diversity in all it’s forms! Absolutely everyone welcome!

Visit www.outintheopen.org.au/events-2021/ to check out all the events or phone Georgina Poort (Co-Convenor) on 0401 168 229 for more information.

EARLY-BIRD stallholder applications for CARNIVAL DAY are NOW OPEN! Early-bird closes 30 June.

CARNIVAL DAY is Sat 6 Nov 2021, to be held in Queens Gardens – complete your online registration NOW to secure your site!

Want to host your own event as part of OUTintheOPEN Festival Shepparton (28 Oct – 7 Nov 2021)?

OUTintheOPEN is Shepparton’s festival celebrating LGBTIQA+ pride & community diversity. This year we’re celebrating 10 years!

OUTintheOPEN was developed to address some of the inequalities faced by the local gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer (GLBTIQ) & allied communities and to build a more inclusive community in Greater Shepparton. EVERYONE is welcome to get involved!

OUTintheOPEN is a project led by Goulburn Valley Pride Inc. and is proudly supported by many other organisations and community groups.

The festival will consist of many events including a health/well-being forum at GOTAFE in October and a CARNIVAL DAY on the first weekend in November at the Queens Gardens. Other events will be held during the week across the City of Greater Shepparton. This is where YOU come in!

We are looking for Community Groups, Organisations, Performers, Venues, Events & Artists…

How to get involved…

Please complete the expression of interest form – feel free to make contact with us first to discuss an event or idea. We look forward to hearing from you!

Alternatively, please submit your proposal via email (details below) along with a preferred image (high res.) for marketing purposes on our website. Additional background information is welcome.

For more info contact Damien Stevens on 0418 511 562 or enquiries@outintheopen.org.au

Is OUTintheOPEN Festival looking for YOU?

This year our Festival team is looking for enthusiastic people to join us for the 28th October – 7th November OUTintheOPEN Festival 10 year celebration!

The following positions will join our Festival Team:

• Festival Co-Convenors (2)
• Artistic Director (1)
• Secretary & Admin. Support (1)
• Treasurer & Governance (1)
• Volunteer Coordinator (1)
• Entertainment Coordinator/Stage Manager (1)
• Social Media/Marketing Coordinator (1)
• Fundraising & Promotions Assistant (1)
• Festival Volunteers (20)

Click here to apply. Please contact us for a ‘position description’ and ‘expression of interest’ form – we look forward to hearing from you!

Find us on Facebook @ facebook.com/OUTintheOPENFestival

Check out previous year’s Official Gig Guides – download your copies below.  Thanks for getting OUTintheOPEN with us!

2019                                                    2018

2017                                                    2016                                                          2015

2012                                                    2013                                                 2014

Celebrating 10 years over 10 days in 2021. Carnival Day will be Saturday 6 November. Stay tuned for more info…

Got an idea for #OitO2021? Contact us today!

On behalf of all of us involved with OUTintheOPEN 2020 we would like to say a HUGE thank-you to everyone who attended, volunteered and supported the event this year!

We look forward to seeing you all again next year!!!!!

We want your feedback. Please take our short survey here.