Rainbow Yarra supports and celebrates diversity, connection and an inclusive Yarra.
Rainbow Yarra was created after the release of the LGBTIQA+ Strategy 2021-2024 [ PDF, 16.64 MB] and our Rainbow Advisory Committee. Yarra is proudly home to the wonderfully diverse LGBTIQA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer, Asexual and Agender) communities. We aim to advocate for inclusivity and equality across our rainbow communities.
Our strategy is about:
- welcoming and celebrating diversity
- an inclusive Yarra
- supporting, participating, and connecting.
Since implementing the LGBTIQA+ strategy, we fly the full spectrum of Pride Flags across our town halls on particular days of significance. We're proudly the first local government to lead the way on this.
In 2022, we launched Rainbow Yarra, a brand identity for external partnerships and events in our community. The visual components represent a person embracing the diverse rainbow, which has a full spectrum of colours, including added shades of brown to acknowledge the multicultural intersections that exist within Yarra too.
We are proudly home to the Queerways Mural and walking podcast tour, which recognises the important and historical LGBTIQA+ representation in Yarra.
Read about the launch of our 'Queer is...' campaign.
Rainbow Advisory Committee
The Rainbow Advisory Committee provides information, support and advice, and a mechanism for communication and consultation between LGBTIQA+ communities and Council on issues affecting the LGBTIQA+ community.
Trans Awareness Week (13 to 19 November) is a week of celebrating transgender pride. It's a week-long opportunity for trans allies to engage in education and learn how to elevate the voices of our community. It's important to back up your activity with conversation, and meaningful actions. We mark Trans Day of Visibility and Trans Day of Remembrance during this week. Representatives from Yarra's trans and gender diverse communities will speak about their experiences.
Bisexual Visibility Day (23 September) is a day to celebrate anyone who is multi-gender attracted and raise awareness of the challenges and prejudices faced by the bisexual, pansexual and biromantic community. Bisexual people make up the largest portion of the LGBTIQA+ community, but often don't feel able to come out due to prejudice from their peers. Representatives from Yarra's multi-gender attracted communities speak about their experiences.
The campaign aims to shed light on the discrimination faced by trans and gender diverse Victorians, and celebrate the vibrant diversity of our LGBTQIA+ communities. Together we can help to shift perception of trans and gender diverse communities in mainstream society, inspire greater acceptance and reduce discrimination. To do this, we need help from allies like you to help spread the word by liking and sharing the campaign materials. Learn more at vic.gov.au/theunsaid.
Beans Bar. For queer women, non-binary and trans people, neurodivergent friendly. 325 Smith St, Fitzroy.
DT's Hotel. Gay bar and entertainment venue. 164 Church Street, Richmond.
Evies Disco Diner. One of Melbourne's most iconic inclusive and queer leaning venues, inspired by New York City in the 80s. 230/232 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
Grouse. Retro-modern bar and cafeteria. 171 Smith Street, Fitzroy.
Mollie's Bar and Diner. LGBTQI+ community centric venue. Level 1/103-105 Smith Street, Fitzroy.
New Guernica. Rave club supporting local artists and DJs. 64 Smith Street, Collingwood.
The 86. Cabaret club with cocktails, Pan-Asian food and drag shows. 185 Smith Street, Fitzroy.
The Laird. One of Australia's longest running gay-owned and operated venues. 149 Gipps Street, Abbotsford.
The Shady Lady. Vegan, puppy and LBGTI friendly dive bar. 36 Johnston Street, Fitzroy.
The Peel Hotel. Proudly serving gay Melbourne men since 1988. 46 Peel Street, Collingwood.
The Fox Hotel. Old converted pub turned modern eatery. 351 Wellington Street, Collingwood.
The Gertrude Hotel. Dance and food in a fun and casual pub environment, fitted out colorfully by Tracey Lester. 148 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy.
UBQ. Gay and Lesbian functions, karaoke and bar. 108 Smith Street, Collingwood.
Vau d’vile. Drag cabaret venue. 62-70 Johnson Street, Fitzroy.
Wet on Wellington. Gay spa and sauna with bar and function rooms. 162 Wellington Street, Collingwood.
Yah Yah's Thursgay. Weekly queer party featuring rotating DJs at a hip rock bar. 99 Smith Street, Fitzroy.
Eagle Leather. Adult fetish and entertainment store. 80 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford.
Hair Yeah? LGBTIQA+ Hair Salon. Offering queer affirming hairdos. 327 Smith St, Fitzroy.
Melbourne Candle Co. Bespoke Melbourne themed candles. 185 Johnston Street Collingwood.
Mannhaus. Gay leather store. 1/139 Langridge Street.
Lucrezia and De Sade. Adult fetish and entertainment store. 441 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.
Passionfruit Sensuality Shop. Adult toys, lingerie and education. 414 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy.
Piercing HQ. State of the art, specialty body modification studio. 1B 12 Hoddle Street, Abbotsford.
Rose Chong Costumiers. Costumes and wigs. 218 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Seekers. LGBTQIA+ owned and operated optometry practice. 203 Gertrude St, Fitzroy
Sugar Plump Fairy. Queer sustainable slogan tee's for all bodies. Suite 17, 200 Alexandra Pde, Fitzroy VIC 3065.
Co Health. Not-for-profit community health organisation providing health and support services in Melbourne's CBD, and northern and western suburbs.
Equinox. Trans and gender diverse sexual health clinic. Phone 03 9416 2889
Northside Clinic. LGBTIQA+ Inclusive GP clinic. Phone 03 9485 7700
Thorne Harbour Health. Providing a range of services which include prevention education, treatment and care of PLHIV and counselling services. Phone 03 9865 6700.
Queerspace. Safe and supportive space to obtain information and access services aimed at improving the health and well-being of LGBTIQ+ communities. Phone 03 9663 6733.