If you’ve been to a drag show in Naarm lately, you might have noticed a curious trend: performers performing on stage to the unmistakable Centrelink hold music . It’s not just drag queens, kings, and things either; I’ve seen live bands using it, and it’s all over TikTok, sandwiched between a hundred lizard memes. There’s something oddly powerful about that hold music. It’s the soundtrack of survival. You’ve endured, you’ve waited, you’ve aged ten years… and there’s still a solid chance they’ll just hang up on you. Which got me thinking… maybe there are things in everyday Melbourne life that deserve the same triumphant energy. Things that might seem small, but deep down, we all know they should be celebrated with the same gusto as a perfectly executed death drop. So here are a few everyday wins I think deserve a standing ovation . 1. Knowing which bins to put out without checking the neighbours’ yards You, my friend, are the Bin Whisperer. You’ve mastered the secret code of green and yellow weeks without a single peek down the street. The whole neighbourhood should be clapping for you. 2. Finding the matching Tupperware lid on the first try This is the domestic equivalent of a miracle. You’ve ventured into the chaotic cupboard of plastic chaos and emerged victorious. Someone cue the pyrotechnics. 3. Untangling a cord without swearing Whether it’s your phone charger, your hair straightener, or the Christmas lights you swore you’d store properly last year, the struggle is real. Managing to unravel it without muttering “for f***’s sake” at least once? Truly MEDEA award-worthy. 4. Remembering why you walked into the room If you’ve got ADHD, you know this is the Mount Everest of daily life. You walk in, your brain buffer wheel starts spinning, and you’re suddenly making a snack instead. Remembering what you came for? That’s deserves a gold star! 5. Carrying all the shopping bags in one trip Sure, your fingers have gone numb and you may never regain full feeling in your hands, but you did it. You are a legend. 6. Scoring a table at your favourite brunch spot without a wait In Melbourne, this is basically winning the lottery. You stroll in, expecting a 40-minute queue, and instead you’re seated instantly with a coffee on the way. The true  taste of victory is smashed avo without the waitlist. 7. Snagging the last seat on a packed tram That feeling when you spot it, swoop in, and sit down just  before the tram jolts forward. It’s a moment of pure triumph, and frankly, deserves confetti cannons. 8. Finishing the washing and actually putting it away Washing it? Easy. Hanging it out? Doable. Folding it? Fine. But actually putting it away ? Now that’s a rare, crowd-cheering achievement. In short:  life is full of little victories. And while we might not get a standing ovation for all of them, we should at least give ourselves a mental round of applause. So next time you do something mundane but unexpectedly difficult, imagine that Centrelink hold music swelling around you… and take a bow.

Are you ready for a night of giggles, cheeky love advice, and more Italian flair than a Vespa parade? Look no further because Silvio Di Baci  is bringing their one-man spectacular, A Bit of Baci , to Club Voltaire in North Melbourne from 7th–9th October 2024! Think of it as a wild mix of comedy, romance, and dating tips—delivered with Silvio’s signature smooth-talking, heart-throbbing style. Silvio Di Baci —Romeo of the drag world, and all-round charming rogue—has thrown every ounce of wit, wisdom, and silliness into this show. Expect a rollercoaster of laughs and love lessons as Silvio takes you through a hilarious journey of romantic misadventures. Whether you’re single, loved-up, or "it’s complicated," this is the show to get your giggle on! What’s A Bit of Baci All About? Expect side-splitting dating tips, questionable advice, and plenty of romantic escapades (with a few cheeky detours). Imagine a stand-up show colliding head-on with a bonkers love seminar, all hosted by Silvio’s larger-than-life persona. Whether you’re after the secret to sweeping someone off their feet—or just need a laugh after a few disastrous dates—Silvio’s got the goods. And who knows, you might even get roped into the action! Not to brag, but Silvio has wooed crowds from the Sydney Rd Street Party to Drag Expo, so you’re in expert hands for an evening of non-stop fun. And if you’re simply after a good belly laugh, don’t worry— A Bit of Baci   has that in spades too. It’s a night of comedy and charm that’ll have you buzzing with joy all the way home. Important Bits—Accessibility Note Club Voltaire is upstairs, and while it’s a fab venue, we apologise for any accessibility issues. Need assistance? Give us a shout, and we’ll do our best to help make arrangements. We want everyone to have a cracking time! A Fringe Festival Must-See As part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival (running from 1st to 20th October), A Bit of Baci  is your chance to experience one of the quirkiest, funniest shows in town. Melbourne Fringe is bursting with performances, art, and more, so get stuck in and make A Bit of Baci  your festival highlight! Get Your Tickets Now—Don’t Miss Out! Ready for a night of belly laughs, dating tips, and enough Italian charm to make you swoon? Grab your tickets to A Bit of Baci   now and secure your spot! Whether you’re coming for the advice, the laughs, or just Silvio’s outrageous charisma, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable evening. So, what are you waiting for? Get your tickets, get ready, and prepare to leave utterly smitten by the magic of Silvio Di Baci ! Get ready to experience the extraordinary – see you at Club Voltaire! Ticket Sales are now open! Don't miss out on this spectacular event!

Image description: A bright green piggy bank with a gold coin is placed on a purple background. Large black text in the top left reads “Drag ain’t cheap.” and in the bottom right, it continues with “So why are the gigs?”. In the top right corner is the Performers of Pride logo — a colourful speckled circle with orange text reading “Performers of Pride – Promoting Drag.” So You Wanna Be a Drag Performer in Naarm? You’ve got your look, you’ve picked your number, maybe you’ve even hot-glued rhinestones to your face for the first time. Congratulations, you’re diving into drag! But once you’re ready to hit the stage, a big question comes up: Where do you actually start? For lots of new performers in Naarm, the answer is often an open stage  night: a show that’s open to everyone, no matter how new you are or whether you’ve got connections in the scene. These shows can be fun, welcoming, and a great first step. But they also bring up some tricky stuff, especially when it comes to money . This post isn’t about naming and shaming. It’s also not here to hand out “right” answers. It’s here to open up the conversation. What You Get (And What You Don’t) At most open stage shows, performers are paid around $50  for doing a number. Some shows offer more, some less, and some don’t pay anything at all. For people who haven’t done drag before, that might seem okay. But let’s think about what’s involved: hours of getting into drag, travelling to the venue, often being there all night waiting for your turn, performing, and then heading home. That’s a lot  of time and effort. For many performers (especially those already spending their own money on makeup, wigs, and costumes) that $50 doesn’t stretch very far. And if the gig is unpaid? That can sting even more. Personally , I don’t think it’s okay to ask people to perform for free when a venue is profiting. But I also know some people see it differently. Some performers are happy to do unpaid gigs when they’re just starting out. Some organisers are also working with tight budgets and doing their best. Why Is It Like This? There’s no single reason. But here are a few factors that can affect performer pay: Experience level : Some people think new performers shouldn’t expect high pay, especially while they’re learning. Budget limits : Many shows, especially at smaller venues, don’t have big budgets. Venue pressure : Some bars are doing it really tough right now. The economy’s a mess, cost of living is high, and a number of venues in Naarm have closed recently. Industry standards : In some cases, low or unpaid gigs have just become “normal,” and no one’s questioned it for a while. So when you see a low-paying or unpaid gig, it’s worth asking: Is this because the money truly isn’t there, or because drag isn’t being valued enough? What Should New Performers Do? That depends on your goals, your situation, and your comfort level. Some people are happy to take any chance to get on stage. Others prefer to hold out for paid opportunities. Neither approach is wrong, but it’s good to know what you’re signing up for. Here are a few questions you might want to ask yourself: Am I okay with the time and cost of doing this gig? Is this a place where I’ll learn something, meet people, or get experience? Is the organiser being transparent about pay? Do I feel like I’m being respected? What About People Running Shows? If you’re organising shows or booking performers (especially newer ones) this is a good moment to reflect, too. Are the performers being paid fairly for the time they’re spending at the venue? Is there a way to build pay increases into the budget as the show grows? Can you be open with new performers about what they’re being paid and why? Again, there’s no perfect answer, but asking the question is a great start. Where Do You Stand? This is a big, ongoing conversation in Naarm’s drag scene, and there are lots of different opinions and experiences out there. Some people feel strongly that unpaid gigs are never okay. Others see them as a stepping stone. Some think $50 is fair for a quick number, others don’t. And some organisers are genuinely struggling to offer more right now. That’s why this blog isn’t about handing out hard rules. It’s about thinking through the topic together . If you’re a performer, how do you feel about doing a gig for free or for a small fee? If you run shows, how do you balance fairness with budget realities? As a community, how do we keep drag sustainable for everyone? In short: Open stage shows are a big part of how new drag performers get started in Naarm. Many offer low pay, often around $50, and some don’t pay at all. There’s debate about what’s fair, especially given the time and effort drag takes. Economic pressure on venues is real, but that doesn’t mean the conversation about pay shouldn’t happen. Everyone in the drag scene has a part to play in making it better, but there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Let’s keep talking about it. Let’s share stories, ask questions, and support each other. Because when we open up these discussions, we make the scene stronger, and more sustainable, for everyone.

Find drag events around Naarm/Melbourne in one place at Performers of Pride! Performers of Pride would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation who are the Traditional Custodians of this Land on which we work. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present and extend that respect to other Indigenous Australians. Upcoming Events Sold Out Buffy: Once More With Feeling Tribute Show Sun 27 Sept Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar 25th anniversary of the episode, 5th anniversary of our show! Details The Lanes - Arcane Tribute Show Sat 07 Nov Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar A cabaret show celebrating the 5 year anniversary of Arcane Buy Tickets Performers of Pride began during the COVID-19 lockdowns in Naarm/Melbourne, when a small group of drag performers turned to creating videos online as a way to stay creative, connected and in touch with their audience. What started as a handful of performers making content for a few friends has since grown into something much bigger. As Melbourne reopened, Performers of Pride moved from online performances to live events, creating spaces where queer performers and audiences could come together to celebrate drag, creativity and community. Since then, we have produced a growing range of shows, from pop culture tributes and themed cabarets to comedy, alternative drag and immersive performance events. Our annual shadow cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Once More With Feeling has become one of our longest-running traditions, reaching its fifth year in 2026. Alongside established favourites, we continue to experiment with new concepts and ways of presenting drag, including shows such as Mushroom's Dungeon Crawl and Fangz. Accessibility has also become an important part of what we do. In 2026 we launched Dragcessible, a sensory-friendly drag show designed to make live drag more accessible to people who may find traditional performance environments overwhelming. With audience-controlled headphones, a quiet space, fidgets and free entry for carers, it reflects our belief that inclusion should be built into events rather than treated as an afterthought. At the heart of Performers of Pride is a commitment to supporting local queer artists and creating welcoming spaces for our community. Our events showcase performers with different styles, identities and levels of experience, while giving audiences the opportunity to discover just how varied drag can be. We believe drag is more than entertainment. It can tell stories, challenge expectations, create connection and give people space to express parts of themselves that aren't always welcomed elsewhere. Performers of Pride continues to grow, experiment and evolve, but the goal remains the same: create great queer performance, support our artists, and make spaces where people can show up as themselves.

A list of drag artists around the state of Victoria Victorian Drag Artists Abeloth Addams.jpeg 1/3 Abeloth Addams They/She Naarm’s 7ft Drag Edgelord Read More 1/3 Alf Alpha He/Him Read More 1/3 Areola Grande/Mx Tape They/Them Areola Grande was born when her alter ego decided to get married. She vowed to stay single forever! Read More Auntie.jpg Auntie.jpg Auntie.jpg Auntie.jpg 1/3 Auntie She/Her Campy Queen Read More Baby Shoes.jpeg Baby Shoes.jpeg Baby Shoes.jpeg 1/2 Baby Shoes Any/All Read More PXL_20231214_092410526_Original.jpeg IMG_5468.jpeg IMG_6747.jpeg PXL_20231214_092410526_Original.jpeg 1/3 Bun the Gun They/Them Non binary drag monarch of the hills Read More Clint Oris.jpeg Clint Oris.jpeg Clint Oris.jpeg Clint Oris.jpeg 1/3 Clint Oris He/Him Read More 1/3 Coolit Coolit (she/her) is a stunting dancing queen, a seamstress and a avant-garde, shapeshifting makeup artist. Read More Darmanatrix.jpg Darmanatrix.jpg Darmanatrix.jpg Darmanatrix.jpg 1/3 Darmanatrix They/Them The busty gender buster Read More 1/3 Dilonce She/Her Delicious Dancing Diva Read More Dragon Yutahell.jpeg Dragon Yutahell.jpeg Dragon Yutahell.jpeg Dragon Yutahell.jpeg 1/3 Dragon Yutahell He/They Have you sinned? Then I’m Dragon Yutahell? Read More G0RE WH0RE.jpg G0RE WH0RE.jpg G0RE WH0RE.jpg G0RE WH0RE.jpg 1/3 G0RE WH0RE He/They/It gnarly yet g0re-geous drag thing from hell Read More Goldie Cox.jpg Goldie Cox.jpg Goldie Cox.jpg Goldie Cox.jpg 1/3 Goldie Cox She/Her There is always room for 3 bears! Read More goo-3.jpg goo.jpg aab0a216-2be8-4fa2-8e87-dc88fc229bb1.jpg goo-3.jpg 1/4 Goo He/They Goo (he/they) is weird, wacky and wonderful, your friendly neighbourhood ghoul Read More 1/2 Grim Morrison They/Them Things will be grim without Grim 😉 Read More big bow.jpg ivy-profin.jpg big bow.jpg 1/2 Ivy Profin She/Her Read More Izzy Inyette.jpg Izzy Inyette Shot.jpg Izzy Inyette Promo.jpg Izzy Inyette.jpg 1/3 Izzy Inyette She/Her The Singing Babydoll of Drag Read More Jenitals - 📸 Frenchie Holiday.png Jenitals - 📸 Joel Devereux.jpg Jenitals-📸-Polly-Palcios.jpg Jenitals - 📸 Frenchie Holiday.png 1/3 Jenitals He/Him Putting the ‘king’ into ‘ridiculously good-looking’, there’s one performer serving cheese with his sleaze – it’s JENITALS! Read More Jezebel.jpg Jezebel.jpg Jezebel.jpg Jezebel.jpg 1/3 Jezebel She/Her Read More IMG_20240408_081659_404.jpg Messenger_creation_5e21743d-bef7-41aa-aa7b-ae79cef74840.jpeg FB_IMG_1707809294317.jpg IMG_20240408_081659_404.jpg 1/3 Joan Singhard She/Her Gay, Slay, Beret Read More Johnny Cocksville.jpg Johnny Cocksville.jpg Johnny Cocksville.jpg Johnny Cocksville.jpg 1/3 Johnny Cocksville He/They A pretty boy with a heart of gold and a head full of bullshit Read More 1/1 Mae Dixonfyre Her/Fae/They Read More 1/3 Mannixx Pannixx Chaos is my happy place Chaos is my happy place Read More IMG_20231205_163657_846~2.jpg IMG_20231223_005957_255.jpg Screenshot_20230623_195024_Messenger.jpg IMG_20231205_163657_846~2.jpg 1/5 Marilyn Costello They/Them Taking something morbid and weird into something beautiful. Read More 1/3 Maxectomy They/Them Maxectomy (they/them) is a local to Naarm, a transmasc drag jester that will bring you sass, crass and a whole lotta ass. Read More 1/3 Maya Motions She/Her/They/Them Read More 1/4 Mischa En Scene She/Her/They/Them Zsa ZsaLugosi (she/they) is a campy and vampy glamour ghoul Read More Miss Bobbee Pinn.jpeg Miss Bobbee Pinn.jpeg Miss Bobbee Pinn.jpeg Miss Bobbee Pinn.jpeg 1/3 Miss Bobbee Pinn She/Her She's a makeup girl with a bad habit for drag. Read More 1/3 Mx Tickle They/Them Mx Tickle (they/them) is your favourite non binary sexy silly slutty drag thing! Read More Noel Osbourne.jpg Noel Osbourne.jpg Noel Osbourne.jpg Noel Osbourne.jpg 1/3 Noel Osbourne He/Him Psychosexual Papist Melodrama Read More 1/3 Nostalgia Quinn She/Her/They/Them I am feeling very Nostalgic today! Read More 1/3 Quinn Victoria Any Pronouns The Quinn has arrived Read More Randy Prince Headshot.jpeg RANDY Headshot 2.jpg Randy-40.jpeg Randy Prince Headshot.jpeg 1/3 Randy Roy He/Him A Succulent Chinese Meal Read More 1/3 Roxie Boat She/They/He Roxie Boat (she/they) is the name on everybody’s lips ⚓️✨ Read More Ruby Slippers.jpeg Ruby Slippers.jpeg Ruby Slippers.jpeg Ruby Slippers.jpeg 1/3 Ruby Slippers She/Her Drag Disruptor and Burlesque Baddie Read More 1/3 Sarah-Belle She/Her Beechworth, Drag'd out Beechworth Read More 1/3 Sidney from Melbourne She/Her Melbournes favourite brunette bimbo Read More Slayyyler Jupiter.jpg Slayyyler Jupiter.jpg Slayyyler Jupiter.jpg Slayyyler Jupiter.jpg 1/3 Slayyyler Jupiter She/They Outer space glam and camp meets the suburbs of melbourne! Read More 1/3 Stephanie Daddy She/They/He Read More 1/3 Teddy Clitter He/They Teddy Clitter (he/they) is your favourite all inclusive bogan dad Read More

See what events Performers of Pride have run in the past Search by bar name, artist name or try these keywords: Ticketed, Free Entry, Seated, Party Past Events Membership Offer Dragcessible Sat 23 May Mamma Chen's More info Details Membership Offer Fangz Fri 01 May Wheat, Wine & Whisky More info Details Multiple Dates Once More With Feeling: A Buffy Tribute Show Sun 14 Sept Pride of our Footscray Bar More info Details Membership Offer Mushroom’s Dungeon Crawl - 3rd Campaign Sun 31 Aug Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar More info Details Multiple Dates TEASER Once More With Feeling: A Buffy Tribute Show Thu 10 Jul Pride of our Footscray Bar More info Details Whisker and Wishes Fundraiser Show for Rocky Roads Rescue Fri 04 Apr The Penny Black More info Details It's Camp Tue 01 Apr The Old Bar More info Details Drag Aid 6: Penny's Medical Bills & Wheelchair Repair Fri 28 Feb Cafe Gummo More info Details Night of a Thousand Annies Sat 23 Nov Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar More info Details Hozier vs Florence and the Machine Sat 16 Nov Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar More info Details Membership Offer Mushroom's Dungeon Crawl Fri 15 Nov Pride of our Footscray Bar More info Details Membership Offer Fangz - Death Note Show Sat 26 Oct Pride of our Footscray Bar More info Details Multiple Dates A Bit of Baci Wed 09 Oct Club Voltaire More info Details Multiple Dates Once More With Feeling: A Buffy Tribute Show Sun 15 Sept Pride of our Footscray Bar More info Details Membership Offer Fangz Sat 17 Aug Pride of our Footscray Bar More info Details Membership Offer Double Feature: Chapter 8 Sat 10 Aug Pride of our Footscray Bar More info Details Membership Offer Double Feature: Chapter 7 Sat 22 Jun Pride of our Footscray Nightclub & Bar More info Details Membership Offer Performers of Pride Presents: Battle of the Ages Fri 14 Jun Pride Of Our Footscray Bar More info Details Load More