I’ve been involved in Fair Day since 2017, Meridian’s flagship event since the early 2000s (formerly AIDS Action Council). I’ve watched it grow from 1,200 to over 4,000 people at 2023’s Fair Day Fresh Out. This year, Fair Day returns to SpringOUT, with Meridian as the presenting partner. It’s a significant moment for both organisations and one I’m proud to be part of.
I’ve worked directly with performers, stallholders, sponsors, contractors, partner organisations, and yes, ACT Police. I was there when the police issue erupted at Fair Day in 2019 and helped manage it—not just on the day but in the months and years that followed.
I deeply respect activists and the role of protests. Protests are vital for speaking up to power, especially when requests for discussion are ignored or break down due to bad faith. I also hold much love and respect for Canberra queers ready to engage in this tough conversation. Police involvement in community events is a contentious issue and it’s important our community is prepared to talk about it.
However, we must have this conversation respectfully and in good faith. After many years in queer community work, I’m especially concerned about the spread of misinformation. The ‘No Cops At SpringOUT’ (NOPS) group hasn’t always provided a full or accurate story. If you genuinely want to understand how SpringOUT operates as a volunteer-run, community-lead organisation, I urge you to enquire directly. NOPS has controlled the narrative while leaving little room for productive dialogue. Voicing an opinion is one thing; spreading misinformation is another.
This is a charged issue and people have strong feelings. But before you publicly slam SpringOUT or declare you won’t attend the festival, take a moment. Instead of adding to the noise, offer your support. LGBTIQA+ pride festival organisations like SpringOUT only survive through community participation. So, if you’re asking, “Why isn’t this happening?” or “There’s nothing here for me,” get involved and help make it happen. Become a member, a volunteer or apply for a seat on the SpringOUT committee.
What surprises me most is that amidst the noise of the NOPS campaign, no one has publicly supported SpringOUT.
I support SpringOUT. I support SpringOUT despite its imperfection. I support SpringOUT because I recognise the effort and dedication it takes to deliver a month-long pride festival, including a free, all-day event like Fair Day. It took 25 years to build this organisation and it could take just days to tear it down.
If you are passionate about change, get off the sidelines. Contribute. Help. Stop shouting from behind a screen and start making a difference. Because once SpringOUT is gone, it’s gone. And who will step up to rebuild it? Will it be you?
Come out for SpringOUT!
Lee Caldwell was the manager of Community Engagement at Meridian from 2017 to 2024.
