A celebration of pride, diversity and community will take place as the Mackay Rainbow Pride Family Fun Day takes over Queens Park next weekend.
Meeting at the Iconic Shelter at Queens Park, attendees will celebrate Mackay Pride in a safe environment with a parade around the park followed by music, entertainment, games, stalls, food and coffee vendors, local support organisations and a whole lot of colourful fun.
Mackay Rainbow Pride volunteer Hannah Lewis said the mission of the event is to support and increase awareness and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community in Mackay and show that there is support available.
“The aim is to create a safe space for people and for them to know that they are valid in how they feel and with their sexuality,” Hannah said.
“It’s nice to have a group of people.
“I remember the first year, I was like, ‘Finally, there is something for queer people in Mackay to be a part of.’
“It’s about creating a space and making friends.”
Mackay Rainbow Pride was founded in 2020 by three women in the mental health space, Abby Chester, Beth Cooper and Tracy Connors, with the support of Anna Kahler.
“They saw that there was a gap and they said, ‘We need to fill this,’” said Mackay Rainbow Pride President Garry Thomas.
The event is now in its third year after Garry attended last year and wanted to get involved straight away, becoming president after Abby had to relinquish her duties earlier this year.
“It looked very much like we weren’t going to have an event at all,” said Garry.
“From where I stand, we need something, whether it’s big or little.
“I found some time and put my hand up for president, so we’ll do this event, another AGM and see what happens for next year.”
Mackay Rainbow Pride will also facilitate a Parkrun and a panel discussion in the lead-up to the event.
This Saturday, October 22, Mackay Rainbow Pride, On The Run Mackay and Mackay Parkrun are joining forces in a celebration of the diversity of the people that live in the region, inviting runners to wear bright colours as they complete the 5km course through Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens.
Then, on Friday, Mackay Rainbow Pride are hosting a panel discussion focussing on the experience of growing up queer in the regions, featuring panelists from Mackay, Moranbah and regional New South Wales.
The Mackay Rainbow Pride Family Fun Day is sponsored by NBN Co and facilitated in partnership with Brisbane Pride Incorporated, and will feature stalls from Tropical Coast Greens, Woolworths, Feros Care, Mind Australia, headspace and Share the Dignity.
The event is free and all ages are welcome.
“There’s something there for everyone,” said Hannah.
For more information on Mackay Rainbow Pride and all of their upcoming events, visit their Facebook page.
WHAT: Mackay Rainbow Pride Family Fun Day
WHERE: Iconic Shelter, Queens Park
WHEN: Saturday, October 28 from 4:00pm to 8:00pm
This is a free community event.
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