{"id":26218,"date":"2026-06-07T01:00:13","date_gmt":"2026-06-07T01:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/26218\/"},"modified":"2026-06-07T01:00:13","modified_gmt":"2026-06-07T01:00:13","slug":"learn-free-self-defence-from-a-78er-during-qtopia-sydneys-pride-fest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/australia\/26218\/","title":{"rendered":"Learn free self defence from a 78er during Qtopia Sydney’s Pride Fest"},"content":{"rendered":"

As part of Qtopia Sydney\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

The workshops will take place at Universal on Oxford Street as part of Qtopia\u2019s \u201cFit N\u2019 Proud\u201d program, which celebrates queer movement, dance, fitness and wellbeing throughout Pride Month.<\/p>\n

But for Penny, this work goes far deeper than fitness.<\/p>\n

A proud 78er still fighting for the community<\/p>\n

Penny Gulliver isn\u2019t just a martial arts instructor.<\/p>\n

She\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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

Now, in 2026, she\u2019s continuing that work for a whole new generation.<\/p>\n

\u201cPride has always been about more than celebration,\u201d Penny said, \u201cFor many of us, it has also been about courage, safety, friendship and looking after each other.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThese workshops have been part of our community for decades, and it means a lot to keep offering them for a new generation.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese are not just classes,\u201d Penny explained, \u201cThey are spaces where people can meet, move, laugh, learn and feel part of something. That has always been the heart of this work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Qtopia\u2019s biggest Pride Fest yet<\/p>\n

Penny\u2019s events are just one part of Qtopia Sydney\u2019s enormous Pride Fest 2026 program<\/a>, which this year features more than 300 events across theatre, drag, comedy, workshops, film, dance, fitness and nightlife.<\/p>\n

For the first time, the festival is expanding beyond Qtopia\u2019s home at the former Darlinghurst Police Station and taking over venues across the Oxford Street precinct, including Universal, Eternity Playhouse and Ginger\u2019s.<\/p>\n

\"\"Image: Supplied<\/p>\n

Festival Director Carly Fisher said the event\u2019s rapid growth reflects the strength of Sydney\u2019s LGBTQIA+ community.<\/p>\n

\u201cPride Fest is really about the artists who share their stories, the communities who show up and the allies who stand up,\u201d Fisher said.<\/p>\n

The empowerment doesn\u2019t stop after Pride<\/p>\n

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

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

Because at the end of the day, this isn\u2019t just about throwing punches, it\u2019s about building spaces where queer people feel strong, supported and safe enough to fully be themselves.<\/p>\n

To register for the Kickboxing Kickstarter program, email keepsafe@ihug.com.au or call 0411 808 451.<\/p>\n

Same Sex Salsa: Sunday 28 June, 1.00 pm, Universal, Oxford Street.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Free tickets<\/a><\/p>\n

Defence Workshop: Monday 22 June, 6.30 pm\u20138.00 pm, Universal, Oxford Street.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf9f\ufe0f Free tickets<\/a><\/p>\n

For more information about Penny\u2019s events as well as the full Pride Fest program, head to qtopiasydney.com.au<\/a><\/p>\n

For the latest LGBTIQA+\u00a0Sister Girl and Brother Boy\u00a0news,<\/a>\u00a0entertainment,<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0community stories<\/a>\u00a0in Australia, visit\u00a0qnews.com.au<\/a>. Find us on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t