Perth Voice Interactive

THIS year’s Pride parade is set to be the biggest yet, with a resurgence of interest from the many and varied sides of the the LGBTIQ community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer).

“It’s going to be fabulous…a lot of colour and a lot more participants,” Pride co-president Michelle Rigg says.

Perth’s cultural centre will be pumping with an after-party at the Urban Orchard.

This year’s parade marks 25 years since 300 people marched on parliament house in 1989 during fierce debate over whether to decriminalise homosexuality.

The following year, more than 200 took to the streets of Northbridge in a joyously colourful parade that became a tradition, as people from all walks of life and sexual orientations flocked to watch the spectacular.

Australia has a reputation of being one of the western world’s most “homosexual” friendly countries, and with the closet door open, the ranks of those marching have swelled to include transgender and bisexual people, who are able to feel more comfortable with their orientation, Ms Rigg says.

The increase in sub-groups saw a new Pride mission statement this year, and a look at a range of issues affecting the community, including ageing.

“The biggest challenge is aged care facilities. They don’t cater for same-sex or diverse genders,” Ms Rigg says.

Transgender people are the most vulnerable, she says.

“There are a lot of health issues that they experience as they age.”

The high suicide rate amongst young GBTIQ men is also a big concern, Ms Rigg adds.

This year’s theme “reflect, rejoice, renew” is about remembering past triumphs and the renewal that followed, but keeping an eye on the future, Ms Rigg says. “[It] embodies the current state of the organisation in a positive and exciting way…saluting those who led the way and those who have contributed so much over the last 25 years.”

Pridefest kicks off with a film festival, Friday November 14 and winds up Sunday November 23.

The parade is on Saturday November 22 heading down William Street from 8pm.

For the full program go to pridewa.com.au 

by JENNY D’ANGER