A new hub for Melbourne's lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and gender diverse, intersex and queer community will drive equality, the Victorian government says.
Australia's first purpose-built LGBTIQ+ centre will allow community members to connect and celebrate who they are, learn about their history and appreciate art and performances.
"Everyone deserves to be supported and celebrated, and the Victorian Pride Centre is part of our ongoing efforts to ensure this is the case," Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday.
"Equality is not negotiable."
Mr Andrews said he was proud the state had moved ahead on policies including same-sex marriage, adoption equality, birth certificates for trans Victorians and safe schools education.
"We have to acknowledge that we have achieved a lot, but there is so much more. But there is so much more than we have to do," he said.
"And planning those campaigns, planning the next wave of reform, planning the next program to educate about inclusion, about fundamental human rights. And to make sure that no Victorian is left behind in any way.
"That planning now has a home."
A range of trusted LGBTIQ+ organisations will also be based at the centre, including health services, media outlets, Transgender Victoria, and the Melbourne Queer Film Festival.
The hub will also house the Australian Queer Archives, giving the public unprecedented access to its collection.
Alexander Teh from the national advocacy group, the Australian GLBTIQ Multicultural Council, said the building provides a safe space for those in the LGBTIQ+ community, while also being a place to help educate the wider community.
"It is a safe space," he told SBS News. "It allows people to learn and have hope. I think hope is very important to the community.
"Something significant has been built here. Now multicultural and multi-faith people know where to go. Before they could perhaps only seek advice from friends and try and get information themselves. That information could be confronting or inaccurate.
"We have so many organisations here that can provide a lot of support and advocacy."
Meanwhile, Mr Andrews has announced Melbourne Pride 2021 will be held on December 5 to mark the 40-year anniversary of the decriminalisation of sex between men in Victoria.
Events will be held across regional Victoria, culminating in a one-day street party in Melbourne's inner north.
