is 35 years young this year and - as creative director Simon Abrahams puts it - is, “dare I say, queerer than ever before?” A cultural democracy showcasing the weird, the wonderful, and everything in between, there’s a plethora of LGBTIQ+ artists involved this year. “Contrary to any postal opinion polls, there’s an increase in visibility of the diversity of the queer community and, as a result of that, we’re seeing increased positivity and celebration of that extraordinary community,” Abrahams says.
In a direct response to the postal survey, Melbourne Fringe will stage , imagining a world where equality is a given. Hosted by queer luminaries and - who will mock marry to point out the ridiculousness of standing in the way of real love - they’ll be joined by the likes of and the . A free event, donations to the marriage equality campaign will be greatly received. “I feel like we’re able to, in a context like Fringe where we’re all about taking voices from the margins and putting them smack bang in the middle, support queer voices that have some of the most interesting views of the world around them,” Abrahams adds.
That includes hosting kids-focused event . “It’s a queer event for rainbow families, so Lyle Shelton would hate it,” Abrahams chuckles. “It’s his worst nightmare. We want to create an inclusive safe place where families can feel celebrated, not tolerated.” Check out these queer shows at Fringe:
Faith
Source: Melbourne Fringe Festival
How to Kill the Queen of Pop
Source: Melbourne Fringe Festival
The Granny Gala – A Queer Comedy Extravaganza!
Source: Melbourne Fringe Festival
All Sorts
Source: Melbourne Fringe Festival
Betty Grumble: Sex Clown Saves the World
Dubbed the queer queen of the obscene, forget horror film IT’s creepy Pennywise, Betty Grumble is the feminist sex clown you never knew you needed in your life. Described by potty-mouthed electro legend Peaches as, “transformative and wild,” you won’t want to miss her multi-award-winning vagina puppetry show. Myriad Collective presents TRANSTRAVAGANZA
Source: Melbourne Fringe Festival
Victoria Falconer: Oxymoron
Source: Melbourne Fringe Festival
The Super Queer Murderess Show
If hot and steamy gothic horror is your bag, join Luisa Hastings Edge as she sings you through the supressed queer histories of notorious female killers. Think torch songs for the monstrous feminine and a push back against the punishing patriarchy as set to mesmerising music by Nate Gilkes. The Life and Times of the Divine Miss P
Iconic is a word that’s thrown around a little too liberally these days, but Melbourne drag queen sensation Polly Filla has undoubtedly earned the title after two decades in glorious service to her subjects. Smith Street’s The 86 cocktail and cabaret bar will bow down to her magnificence as alter ego Colin McLean reveals the long road to drag fame from New Zealand to conquering Australia, complete with archival footage and fab outfits. S_T_I_G_M_A
Source: Melbourne Fringe Festival / Darren Gill
PO PO MO CO present Recreation & Leisure
Source: PO PO MO CO credit Theresa Harrison
Intoxication
Source: Melbourne Fringe Festival
Transcendent
Source: Melbourne Fringe Festival
Also check out Mama’s curation, a secular celebration and safe space that that worships at the altar of self-empowered queers. Melbourne Fringe runs from September 14 to October 1. For more info, click . 
