November marks the start of Perth’s PrideFEST – Pride WA’s annual celebration of the LGBTIQA+ community.

Every year, Murdoch University takes part in the PrideFEST Pride Parade – a milestone event in the calendar where LGBTIQA+ staff and students, as well as allies gather to march and celebrate what Pride means to them. 

To celebrate PrideFEST 2025, we asked staff and students to reflect on their own personal definition of Pride – what safe spaces and authentic allyship look like, and what they hope for the future.  

The answers were diverse and meaningful – with some key messages coming together to paint a mural of what PrideFEST represents: visibility, community, celebration and acceptance. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is one of Murdoch University's three pillars, and, since its inception in 1975, the University has championed having a diverse staff and student body. 

The 1970s was an era marked by profound social change and advocacy, with Murdoch at the forefront of this transformation, and never shying away from important conversations. 

Today, the University's commitment to creating a safe space where people can be their authentic selves remains steadfast, with a dedicated Equity, Diversity and Inclusion team to ensure supports are available for all intersections of gender identity, sexuality, ability, race and culture. 

The 2025 PrideFEST theme is We Are Here asserting the visibility, resilience and unity of the LGBTIQA+ community. 

This theme not only emphasises that diverse experiences of sex, sexuality and gender have always existed but also rejects the erasure of queer identities and calls for societal accountability in ensuring LGBTIQA+ people are seen, heard and celebrated. 

Essential to celebrating queer history is preserving it - and earlier this year, Murdoch University signed a 10-year agreement with WestPride Archives to continue housing the archives within its special collections.

The archives span in time from the Second World War to now, holding details of lives, dreams, adversities and triumphs, as well as stories of WA Pride's rich history. 

PrideFEST activities will take place throughout the month, culminating in the Pride Parade on October 29 in Northbridge.