MELBOURNE — The queer community hit the streets of St Kilda for the Midsumma festival's annual Pride march, which was given a militant, political colouring by a large, noisy contingent of anti-capitalist activists.
Melbourne's Pride march, which first happened as part of Midsumma in 1996, has remained closer in spirit to the original militant Stonewall commemorations than to Sydney's Mardi Gras extravaganza. It has yet to be fully hijacked by commercialism.
Nevertheless, most of the contingents focussed on celebration of queer lifestyle and did little to challenge the oppression faced by gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders.
One contingent was an exception. A group was formed by queer activist groups and other groups that support of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender liberation. Its message was overtly anti-capitalist. It sought to publicise the planned M1 (May 1) blockade of corporate Melbourne.
The socialist youth group Resistance had a significant presence in this "Red Bloc", which was the largest contingent in the march. Other groups participating included Queers United to Eradicate Economic Rationalism, the queer union Unite, the Feminist Avengers, Dykes Against Global Sexism and Radical Women.