Commitment to Diversity;
Jopuka is committed to presenting the true diversity of Australia in our artistic vision so that all youth and young people can see themselves represented in our programming.
Jopuka also commits to actively working towards better engagement of youth and young people from First Nations, Culturally and Linguistically Diverse and LGBTQIA+ communities, to ensure the future of our sector represents the true make-up of our community.
We strive to make sure our members from the LGBTQIA+ community feel supported, included, and represented at all times. We offer a variety of gendered and non-gendered roles, and always encourage our young people to audition for the roles they identify with. We also actively seek to program shows and activities that represent and include our queer youth. This includes taking part in Mardi Gras when possible.
Learn more about Jopuka Pride and the things we have done below.
Here at Jopuka Every young person is welcome to come and be themselves. Something we’ve always been proud of is our accessibility for young queers. In 2023 we are so excited to be launching a queer youth club. Who will meet twice a term on a Friday. This program is not just for young artists but is our first program for any young queer person looking for their tribe.
More information coming soon.
2022 Mardi Gras
In 2022 Jopuka participated in our second Mardi Gras, the theme was United we Shine.
2020 Mardi Gras
In 2020 Jopuka attended our first Mardi Gras. The theme was ‘what matters’, and to us what matters is that our LGBTQIA+ youth feel represented in theatre and the community as a whole.
We took a group of nearly 40 members to Sydney, our float consisted of a flatbed truck with a tonne of glitter and many many lights. Lucas-Alexander Carter performed his very own ‘Closet House’ live from the back of the truck.
We received a lot of press around our appearance, with SBS coming to film us preparing, which was then played during the parade and we were even asked to perform at the Google Pride party.
Gaybies by Dean Bryant
Jopuka has staged Gaybies twice, the first was in 2018 and the second was in 2021. For more information on either visit our shows page.
Hotly political and deeply personal, Gaybies shares the intimate real-life stories of children from same-sex parents, surrogate mums, donor dads, co-parents and guardians.
A funny and moving piece of real-life theatre Dean Bryant’s Gaybies tells the story of children who have grown up with gay parents. Drawn straight from interviews with children aged four to forty, these are authentic accounts of family life told with humour, honesty and wisdom.
Available via APT
Closet House Remix 2022
In 2022 for Mardi Gras the original version of Closet House was remixed and used during our performance section on the parade route.You can listen or purchase by following the links below.
Closet House Remix 2022
In 2022 for Mardi Gras the original version of Closet House was remixed and used during our performance section on the parade route.You can listen or purchase by following the links below.
Closet House Remix 2022
In 2022 for Mardi Gras the original version of Closet House was remixed and used during our performance section on the parade route.You can listen or purchase by following the links below.
Below you will find a list of shows and characters that either portray or represent the LGBTQIA+ Community.
Daisy Moon was Born this Way
Daisy Moon—founder, president and so-far only member of the Batemans Bay Little Monsters Fan Club—is in a world of her own. She’s the only girl she knows who hasn’t got her period yet. She’s the only one who can’t afford tickets to see her idol Lady Gaga. She’s the only one who feels like she doesn’t belong. Emily Sheehan’s dark and funny coming of age drama unfolds the insecurity blanket of the teenage years … and covers it in sequins.
LGBTQIA+ Characters – Daisy & Parker
