Finally gaining some pride
Thu 05 November 2009
Morgan Williams, Bachelor of Journalism
The Sunshine Coast Gay Community is hosting an event that spells diversity in every way.
The Sunshine Coast Pride Fair opened its gates at 10am Saturday October 24, 2009 at the Lake Kawana Centre. The fair aimed at bringing the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community and their families together.
Society has not always been excepting of this type of cultural diversity. The concept of being gay echoed hatred in a number of ways. It is with this community support and the reality that there is an entire gay community that society has finally started to take a step back.
The Pride Fair raises awareness of local gay friendly health services. Allowing the LGBT community to gain access to information on sexuality, health and support services.
The once taboo topic, where people hid from their true sexuality is not only gaining support in this small costal town, but in Hollywood. In 2005 the enormous success of the film Brokeback Mountain- staring the late Heath Ledger told an epic story of love, denial and hatred – living the life of a gay cowboy. 
The blockbuster sparked controversy around the world and picketers boycotted the opening of the film. It wasn’t until 2008 that another confronting film Milk starring Oscar winning Sean Penn hit cinemas. Milk depicted the chilling biography of Harvey Milk a gay activist. The film certainly told a tale of frighting political movements. Harvey Milk ended up dedicating his own life so the gay community had a voice. This was one of the largest social movements in the 1960s and 70s.It has now allowed society to be confronted with the issue, accepting it in a positive light.
Rohan Dullubh is a gay man who believes that these films have enabled society to be more understanding.
“I believe the media has made society become more accepting in showing the different lives we live whether being straight, gay or lesbian,” Mr Dullubh said.
Queensland Association for Healthy Communities Health promotions Tim Spratling believes the Sunshine Coast Pride Fair enables LGBT peopleto participate fully in the life of communities, free from stigma and discrimination.
“Same sex attracted young people don’t have a lot of role models in the broader community and they may struggle with the concept of gay identity,” he said.
“Pride Fair gives them an opportunity to see that LGBT people have fulfilling lives, no different to anyone else.”
This behaviour would not have been accepted during the social battle Harvey Milk fought. It was more than a struggle to say that you were gay: many feared their lives.
“For sure I have family support. It is not even an issue,” Mr Dullubh said.
Families are welcomed at the Pride Fair to support and celebrate the positive changes in society.
“It’s about social and community acceptance. It’s also about affirming their lives and celebrating their diversity. We hope that this has a positive impact on how people feel about themselves,” Mr Spratling said.
Society will always ridicule an issue that stands differently to the regulated ‘norm,’ whether it is an issue considering same sex couples. However, the issue of ‘coming – out’ still haunts some.
“I was scared at first about ‘coming - out’ and I held back so many times. I was scared I would be treated differently,” Mr Dullubh said.
“It was the best thing I ever did. Everyone I told didn’t see me as being gay, they saw me as myself.”
Sunshine Coast Gay community support group holds regular functions, events and health services that enable the LGBT community to get together and enjoy themselves.
Entry into the Pride Fair each year is by gold coin donation. There is live music to be enjoyed as well as business that support the community, workshops, food and craft stalls, easy access and disabled parking.
“These kinds of festivals are fantastic. Everyone has so much fun and you learn a lot…there are no 'gay' stereotypes it's just normal people having a great time and celebrating something they believe in,” MrDullubh said.
“You feel apart of something far bigger and better, apposed to feeling alone and like you’re the only one.”
Image(s) designed by Morgan Williams
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Submitted Comments
I really like this article and the topic you've chosen - I didn't know there was a local pride fair last month and regular functions and events for LGBT on the Sunshine Coast. I've never heard/read anything about it in the local media.
Jodie