As part of Qtopia Sydney’s Pride Fest 2026 program, legendary LGBTQIA+ advocate and martial arts leader Penny Gulliver is bringing decades of community care, movement and empowerment to Oxford Street with a free self-defence workshop, plus a same sex salsa class designed specifically for the community.

The workshops will take place at Universal on Oxford Street as part of Qtopia’s “Fit N’ Proud” program, which celebrates queer movement, dance, fitness and wellbeing throughout Pride Month.

But for Penny, this work goes far deeper than fitness.

A proud 78er still fighting for the community

Penny Gulliver isn’t just a martial arts instructor.

She’s a proud 78er, a long-time LGBTQIA+ advocate and the founder of GLMA Martial Arts Newtown, where she has spent decades helping queer people, women and allies build confidence through kickboxing, self-defence and movement.

Her workshops first emerged during a time when LGBTQIA+ communities were fighting not only for visibility and equality, but also for safety and survival.

Now, in 2026, she’s continuing that work for a whole new generation.

“Pride has always been about more than celebration,” Penny said, “For many of us, it has also been about courage, safety, friendship and looking after each other.”

“These workshops have been part of our community for decades, and it means a lot to keep offering them for a new generation.”

The free self-defence class focuses on practical confidence, awareness and personal safety, while creating an inclusive space where people can connect, learn and support each other.

“These are not just classes,” Penny explained, “They are spaces where people can meet, move, laugh, learn and feel part of something. That has always been the heart of this work.”

Qtopia’s biggest Pride Fest yet

Penny’s events are just one part of Qtopia Sydney’s enormous Pride Fest 2026 program, which this year features more than 300 events across theatre, drag, comedy, workshops, film, dance, fitness and nightlife.

For the first time, the festival is expanding beyond Qtopia’s home at the former Darlinghurst Police Station and taking over venues across the Oxford Street precinct, including Universal, Eternity Playhouse and Ginger’s.

Image: Supplied

Festival Director Carly Fisher said the event’s rapid growth reflects the strength of Sydney’s LGBTQIA+ community.

“Pride Fest is really about the artists who share their stories, the communities who show up and the allies who stand up,” Fisher said.

The empowerment doesn’t stop after Pride

If Pride Fest leaves people wanting more, Penny is also launching a new Kickboxing Kickstarter program through GLMA Martial Arts Newtown from July 9.

The beginner-friendly four-week program is designed to help people build confidence, fitness and self-defence skills within an LGBTQIA+ inclusive environment.

Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just about throwing punches, it’s about building spaces where queer people feel strong, supported and safe enough to fully be themselves.

To register for the Kickboxing Kickstarter program, email keepsafe@ihug.com.au or call 0411 808 451.

Same Sex Salsa: Sunday 28 June, 1.00 pm, Universal, Oxford Street.

🎟️ Free tickets

Defence Workshop: Monday 22 June, 6.30 pm–8.00 pm, Universal, Oxford Street.

🎟️ Free tickets

For more information about Penny’s events as well as the full Pride Fest program, head to qtopiasydney.com.au

For the latest LGBTIQA+ Sister Girl and Brother Boy news, entertainment, and community stories in Australia, visit qnews.com.au. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.