THE Canberra Pride Committee has announced the program for the 15th SpringOUT, Canberra’s Queer Cultural Festival.

The 2104 SpringOUT opens on 1 November, with Fairday between 12noon and 5pm, hosted by the AIDS Action Council at Westlund House, Acton.

“2014 marks our 15th year as Canberra’s Queer Festival and the first time that SpringOUT has spanned the whole month of November. We are very pleased that the Festival is both maturing and diversifying.

“SpringOUT in 2014 includes our community’s standard bearers, in Fairday, Bushdance (hosted by Canberra Gay & Lesbian Tennis Club), which continues to attract queer bush dance enthusiasts from as far afield as Melbourne and Sydney, and the Qwire (Canberra’s only LGBTIQ choir) concert. These community-driven events continue to attract significant and energetic crowds” Leanne Staggard, Committee spokesperson said

“SpringOUT included some new events last year, which are making a re-appearance in 2014, including the Aqua Harmony SwimOUT, OUTBIZ Dinner, BAKE and Rainbow Storytime. These events acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of our local community,” Leanne said

“New for 2014 are a range of events which embrace Canberra’s gender diverse community, with short films exploring the infinite possibilities of gender, and the A Gender Agenda (AGA) Fete Day and Trivia Night. We aim to build the events for this community in future festivals” Jenni Atkinson, Committee spokesperson said.

“Also new in 2014 are a range of events for young people, including Rainbow Rollers, Bit Bent Disco, Roller Derby, Chrome Dance Party and a range of pop-up events” Kat Reed, Committee spokesperson said

“SpringOUT 2014 is also an exciting period at the theatre and cinema, with ‘La Cage Aux Folles’ brought to us by Supa Productions, ‘Scandalous Boy’ presented by The Street Theatre, and the movie ‘Pride’ showing at Palace Cinema. These new and established works are certain to both delight and entertain audiences.” Mr Knobel said

“SpringOUT 2014 builds on the very proud tradition of queer community cultural events and progressive social reforms in the ACT and the Canberra Pride Committee is determined to ensure the festival continues to celebrate the strength, visibility and diversity of our community.

Further information on 2014 SpringOUT is available at www.springout.com.au .