When I first moved to Australia in 2017, I arrived with my suitcases and not much else. Having lived in both the UK and France previously, I had never really engaged with Pride celebrations or connected deeply with the LGBTQIA+ community. It wasn’t a conscious decision; it just wasn’t something that had become part of my life experience yet.
Landing in Melbourne as a gay man without a local support network was both liberating and daunting. The question of how to build meaningful connections in a new country loomed large. Little did I know that Pride would become the gateway to not just friendships, but a profound sense of belonging that would help Melbourne feel like home.
My first Melbourne Pride event, Midsumma Carnival, was somewhat of a revelation. The vibrant celebration of identity and the palpable sense of community struck me immediately. Here was a space where people came together in joy and solidarity – something I realised I had been missing. What began as a tentative step toward meeting new people quickly evolved into something much more significant.
Joining an LGBTQIA+ running group provided regular connection with like-minded individuals who not only shared a hobby, but who also understood aspects of my identity without explanation. These Saturday morning runs became more than exercise; they were the foundation of my new social circle in Australia. Through shared experiences, post-run coffees, and community events, acquaintances became friends who have supported me through the challenges of building a life in a new country.
The impact of finding this community cascaded into other areas of my life. What started as seeking friendship has blossomed into active engagement across multiple spheres. Today, I volunteer with a queer healthcare charity on the weekends, bringing support to others who might be experiencing the isolation I once felt. As a member of Norton Rose Fulbright’s Pride network, I help create the inclusive environment I value so much. My work with my local council’s LGBTQIA+ advisory group also allows me to contribute to making our community more welcoming for everyone.
Pride Month now holds special significance for me. It reminds me how powerful celebration and visibility can be, not just in affirming identity but in creating genuine human connection.
My journey with Pride wasn’t about dramatic coming-out moments or overcoming specific obstacles. Rather, it’s been about discovering how community engagement enriches life and creates a sense of home. From someone who had never participated in Pride to someone whose life is now interwoven with LGBTQIA+ community work, my experience shows how finding your people can transform not just your social calendar, but your sense of purpose and belonging.
As we celebrate Pride Month at Norton Rose Fulbright, I’m grateful for the journey that brought me here – from newcomer to community member, from observer to participant. Pride gave me more than rainbow flags and parades; it gave me a home.
