Festival a proud first for city

Busselton’s first Pride event is being held next month.

It comes after the City’s first same-sex wedding last month and adds to the increasing number of LGBTQI events in the region since the Marriage Bill was passed last year.

Running at the ArtGeo complex, the event will host drag queens, burlesque performers and various music acts, with the Tommyhawks headlining.

Busselton Pride has been welcomed by the LGBTQI community, along with events such as Margaret River’s Margi Gras next month and the pop-up same-sex marriage festival on Valentine’s Day, which some feel will help repair the “damage” done during last year’s postal survey on the subject.

LGBTQI community member Nic Hendry said the coming year was significant in bringing people together, after the debate had divided people.

“Events that are open to our entire community and create opportunity for coming together are going to be really important, given damage done after the plebiscite,” she said.

“They offer a chance for people in the LGBTQI community to build networks in the region and promote coexistence between everyone.”

OUT South West committee member Helen Robinson said events that raised the LGBTQI profile would help connect people and develop resilience among LGBTQI-identifying community members. “It shows people in the LGBTQI community that they’re not alone and they have someone to relate to,” she said.

“It also demands for the State to look at regions as well as country areas in addressing LGBTQI issues.”

Busselton Pride is a free event and will run on March 24 from 2.30pm-6.30pm.