In this episode, we meet Holly Conroy, the founder of Wagga Mardi Gras. Holly shares her journey from growing up and transitioning in the rural town of Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia, to launching the first Pride Mardi Gras event in the area. Despite initial fears and challenges, especially in a traditional country setting, Holly received overwhelming community support which fueled her ambition to showcase that rural areas can positively embrace LGBTQ+ events. Documenting her experiences in the SBS series Untold Australia: Country Town Pride, Holly reveals the behind-the-scenes effort, community and family focus, and personal perseverance that turned Wagga Mardi Gras into a widely supported and successful annual event, even overcoming initial sponsorship hurdles and logistical challenges without a formal committee. As she looks toward the future, Holly and her dedicated committee aim to continue growing the event, maintaining its family-friendly atmosphere and community-driven spirit.   00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:26 Growing Up in Wagga and Transitioning 01:55 Inception of Wagga Mardi Gras 02:45 Documentary and Community Response 03:31 Organizing the First Mardi Gras 05:44 Challenges and Support 08:39 Success and Growth of the Event 18:28 Family-Friendly Focus 23:48 Future Plans and Sponsorship 28:43 Upcoming Event Details 31:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode, Hamiora Bailey, Executive Director of Auckland Pride, discusses their background and the foundational principles of Auckland Pride. Hamiora emphasizes the importance of maintaining a Māori framework and details the various initiatives and programs launched by Auckland Pride, including Te Tīmātanga Residency, the Empowerment Initiative, Pride Develops, and Pride Elevates. In the discussion Hamiora focuses on the significance of upholding Indigenous knowledge systems and ensuring the sustainability and inclusivity of the organization. They also talk to us about the importance of community, advocacy, arts and story telling in Pride. 

In this episode, we are joined by Sarah, David and Helen from Exmouth Pride to discuss the history, challenges, and community impacts of the pride event held in Exmouth, UK. The conversation delves into the town's demographics, the local response to the event, and the significance of visibility and inclusivity. Sarah, David and Helen share with us the origin and growth of Exmouth Pride, the engagement of various community groups, and how they involve organizations such as the military and police.   The episode also highlights personal stories and the profound impact of making LGBTQ+ identities visible in small towns.

In this episode we meet Debra from Pride North West in Protland, USA. Debra takes us on a journey of the history of pride events in Portland and what is needed for the often considered liberal city to hold and maintain the expansion of queer events

In this episode, we meet Val and Pat, founders of Paekākāriki Pride, a community-focused LGBT+ festival in New Zealand

In this introductory episode of the Pride Untold Podcast, hosts Karen from New Zealand and Adrienne from Canada embark on a new adventure to explore the behind-the-scenes of Pride events around the world. With over a decade of experience organizing and attending Pride events, they aim to uncover the intricate details, challenges, and diverse perspectives involved in bringing Pride events to life. The episode delves into their personal journeys, the evolving purpose of Pride events, and the diverse community that makes it all possible. Listeners are invited to join Karen and Adrienne as they take a peek behind the rainbow curtain and welcome various guests to share their unique experiences in future episodes. 00:00 Welcome to Pride Untold 00:51 What is Pride Untold? 02:20 Behind the Rainbow Curtain 04:26 The Complexity of Organizing Pride 07:02 Our Personal Pride Journeys 15:12 Diversity Within the Community 17:13 The Purpose and Evolution of Pride 19:56 What to Expect in Future Episodes 21:03 Meet Your Hosts 22:20 Join the Conversation 23:30 Conclusion and Next Steps