Dykes on Bikes, Vic Leather & Rainbow Families withdraw from Midsumma Carnival

over the tie-up with News Corp

Dykes on Bikes Melbourne (DOBM) will no longer donate money raised by their annual Pillions for Pride raffle to Midsumma.The money, which was to have been split 50/50 with the Australian Lesbian and Gay Archives (ALGA) will now all go to ALGA.

UPDATE – CLARIFICATION FROM DYKES ON BIKES MELBOURNE

DOBM would like to clarify our position with regard to Midsumma Festival 2017.

Recently we announced that Midsumma would not benefit from our annual Pillions for Pride raffle and this remains the case. This decision was made based on Midsumma’s partnership with News Corp as well as a lack of engagement from Midsumma regarding the raffle. Despite Midsumma’s recent announcement that they will not use the advertising provided in the sponsorship agreement, the lack of enthusiasm for the work DOBM have done in raising money for the Pride March event mean that we feel the funds would be more appreciated at ALGA.

DOBM will continue to participate in Carnival and Pride March as these are both community focussed events and our history of support and protection for the LGBTI community will continue.