The Telling it with Pride: Speakers Program (TiPS Program) is an exciting initiative by the Victorian Pride Centre designed to empower LGBTIQA+ individuals to share their personal stories with confidence and impact. After a successful first season and launch of the LGBTIQA+ Speakers Bureau, participants in our second iteration of the program will receive training and support to develop their skills in storytelling and public speaking. The goal is to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion across various sectors in Victoria by amplifying the voices of the LGBTIQA+ community.
- Open to LGBTIQA+ individuals across Victoria, with a strong encouragement for folks from regional, and rural areas to apply.
- Inclusive of diverse backgrounds such as First Nations Peoples, Transgender and Gender Diverse communities, CALD individuals, people with disability, and various age groups.
- Accessible to participants from all parts of Victoria with workshops in-person.
- This program is free for participants. Financial support/reimbursement for travel will be available for eligible participants
Key Dates:
14th October 2025, 11am – 3pm – Session One – Introduction to the TiPS Program
The initial gathering on Wednesday 23rd October is for everyone to meet, connect and get to know each other before the workshops. This first gathering is about learning what to expect and establishing a TiPS group culture.
TiPS Program Workshops
23rd October 2025, 11am – 3pm – WORKSHOP 1: Storytelling for Social Change
28th October 2025, 11am – 3pm – WORKSHOP 2: Self and Community Care for Storytellers
4th November 2025, 11am – 3pm – WORKSHOP 3: Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
11th November 2025, 11am – 3pm – WORKSHOP 4: Media and Digital Storytelling
Graduate Showcase Rehearsals
4th December 2025, 11am – 1pm – REHEARSAL 1: Group-led Rehearsal
15th January 2026, 6pm – 8pm – REHEARSAL 2: Group-led Rehearsal
There are two rehearsals before the TiPS graduate showcase during the Victorian Pride Centre’s Midsumma Showcase on 20th January, 2026. The rehearsals will be group-led, with a VPC representative present to guide the process.
What the TiPS Program offers:
Empowerment and Skill Development
- Storytelling Workshops: Learn how to craft and share your personal narrative in a compelling and impactful way.
- Public Speaking Training: Gain techniques for engaging an audience, managing public speaking anxiety, and using body language and voice effectively.
- Media and Digital Storytelling: Explore how to use digital platforms, podcasting, and social media to advocate for social change.
- Resilience and Self-Care: Develop emotional resilience and learn self-care practices to support your journey as a public speaker.
Professional Opportunities
- Speakers Directory: Upon completing the TiPS Program, you will be featured in the Victorian Pride Centre’s Speakers Directory, connecting you with organisations, schools, and community groups for paid speaking engagements.
- Networking: Build connections with other LGBTIQA+ individuals, industry professionals, and key organisations involved in the program.
Personal Growth and Community Impact
- Confidence: Increase your confidence in public speaking and storytelling, empowering you to share your story with diverse audiences.
- Visibility: Amplify your voice and contribute to greater visibility and understanding of LGBTIQA+ experiences in Victoria.
- Support Network: Benefit from ongoing support and emotional support from the program’s facilitators and fellow participants.
Structured Program
- Workshops: Participate in regular workshops sessions to continuously build your skills and receive support.
- Three-Month Duration: Engage in a structured workshop and training program over three months and an opportunity for a final presentation as part of our Midsumma 2026 program at VPC.
- At the completion of the program, TiPS Graduates will be uploaded to the LGBTIQA+ Speakers Bureau for the opportunity to engage in external speaking engagements.
For more information on how to apply, please head to the VPC website: https://pridecentre.org.au/speakers-bureau/telling-it-with-pride-speakers-program-tips/
We look forward to reading your application!
For more information click here
