RECORD NUMBERS AT TROPICAL PRIDE

By Ben Woodward

The Cairns LGBT Community has celebrated its biggest Tropical Pride Festival yet, drawing in close to a thousand people at its Fair Day at the Tanks Arts Centre.

After a successful opening the previous weekend, with the Festival Cairns Parade and a dance party at Blue Sky Brewery, the closing days focused on celebrating diversity and the achievements of the community.

The annual Community Awards took place at Skinny Dips Resort & Spa on Saturday 29th, recognising outstanding contributions by individuals and organisations. Hosted by Miss Destiny and presented by local Councillor Di Forsyth and QAHC General Manager Paul Martin, recipients included members from Rainbow Youth Mackay, who had travelled all the way to Cairns for the evening.

The Pride Fair Day at the Tanks Arts Centre on Sunday 30th August then proved to be a hit for all in attendance. Officially opened by Mayor Val Schier, diverse community stalls dotted the pathways.

The main stage treated crowds to a wealth of talented performers, including newcomer Imogen Que. The Out! Loud LGBT Choir returned to the stage for the finale, performing crowd pleasers such as “Man! I Feel Like A Woman”. Choir master Cliff Anderson brought many close to tears with a moving rendition of “You Raise Me Up”, his last performance with the group before he and his partner Matt move to Launceston. The evening’s drag performers then returned to the stage to join the choir for a rousing performance of “Pride”.

The local community now eagerly anticipates the next major event on its calendar – the “Out!’s Got Talent” Dance Party and Talent Show on 5th September at Blue Sky Brewery.