State Wide Pride

By Toby Longhurst

Just as the Brisbane Pride Festival is getting underway, preparations in Cairns are in full swing for the Cairns Tropical Pride Festival which is set to be held in late August.

Partnering with Festival Cairns, the Tropical Pride Festival will kick off with The Cairns LGBT community entering a float in the Festival Cairns Grand Parade followed by fireworks and Pride “OUT” Party.

From there the Tropical Pride Community Awards will be held at Skinny Dips Resort to acknowledge all of the hard working individuals, businesses, community groups and supporters who have helped build and strengthen the local LGBT community.

But undoubtedly the highlight of the festival will be Tropical Pride Fair Day at The Tanks on Collins Ave. The Fair promises to be a day full of fun, frivolity, great food and stalls for all ages with the prospect of breaking down barriers within the North Queensland LGBT community, across generations and within the wider community. The Fair Day will also include a dog show, drag acts and an art exhibition/competition.

Festival organisers are encouraging all locals to get involved and are inviting visitors to experience the diversity of Tropical North Queensland as a gay welcoming destination and the ultimate place to live.

To become involved in the parade or to find more information about events and how to book a stall or to volunteer, please visit www.tropicalpride.com or email mquick@qahc.org.au